The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has launched a variety of initiatives to commemorate Black History Month this February. These include revamped digital resources, exhibitions at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, and events across state parks and historic sites aimed at exploring centuries of Black contributions to New York’s history.
Central to this year’s celebrations is the introduction of OPRHP’s new multi-year interpretive initiative, “Enslavement to Freedom: 1627-1827-2027.” The initiative will culminate in 2027, marking both the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in New York and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the colony of New Netherland.
OPRHP’s Black History webpage has been significantly updated with an interactive map highlighting parks and sites tied to New York’s history of slavery and liberation. The page also features stories honoring Black Americans who made impactful contributions to military, political, and social movements. Among these locations are the Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor, and two Brooklyn parks: Marsha P. Johnson and Shirley Chisholm State Parks.
At the Empire State Plaza, two exhibitions will be on display throughout February. The first, “Poisonous Seeds: The Dutch and the Institution of Slavery in New York,” examines the Dutch West India Company’s role in establishing slavery in New Netherland. The second exhibit, “Redefining The Family: One Descendant’s Journey into History,” tells the story of Christiana Taylor Livingston Williams, a Black woman whose ancestral link to the prominent Livingston family was uncovered through genealogical research.
“In anticipation of Black History Month this year, New York State Parks is proud to offer a wide array of events, educational resources, and digital content for people to honor and learn about the Black community in early New York,” said OPRHP Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons.
Educational programming led by OPRHP staff will explore topics ranging from Black scientists and explorers to the hidden stories of enslaved laborers who worked on what are now state parklands. The agency’s blog and social media channels will also share video clips and stories throughout the month, with content available via the Parks Explorer app.
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy urged residents to visit the exhibitions. “Every February, OGS observes Black History Month by working with our state agency partners to host exhibitions that highlight the history, struggles, and pioneering achievements of African Americans in New York,” she said.
Lavada Nahon, Interpreter of African American History at OPRHP, emphasized the importance of acknowledging all people who shaped the state’s history. “This is a great time to learn our state’s unique story as we commemorate significant historic anniversaries over the next several years,” she said.
For event registration and additional information, visit parks.ny.gov or connect with State Parks through social media and the Parks Explorer app.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].