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Welcome!
The African American Archive of Columbia County, New York exists to document, preserve, and share the deep history of Black people in the upper Hudson Valley. From their arrival with the Dutch Patroons in the 17th century, through today, the roots of our African forebears have been profoundly intertwined with the land and people of Columbia County. While hardly secret, this narrative is seldom told or taught in schools. Our mission is to lift the voices of our ancestors, bring our stories to light and life, and create a living chronicle that will honor our past and enlighten our future.
Click here to see some of our favorite historical resources and purchase our most recommended books.
NEW FOR 2026: ARCHIVE MERCH!
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2026 EVENTS!
The Long Road Home: Genealogy and Race in the Hudson Valley
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Family genealogy, especially in the Dutch-settled upper Hudson River Valley, is akin to an intricately woven fabric. Our history is your history. We are one.
Join us as the members of our panel discuss their genealogical experiences: · Debra Bruno discusses her motivations in researching her Dutch family and their slaveholding past as well as her encounter with Eleanor Mire - a descendent of one of those Debra’s family enslaved. This research and encounter led to the publication of Bruno’s bestselling book - A Hudson Valley Reckoning: Discovering The Forgotten History of Slaveholding In My Dutch American Family. · Together, Debra and Eleanor discuss the emotional consequences of connecting, sharing thoughts and feelings as well as addressing and dispelling uncomfortable truths about family and national histories. · Lisa Fludd-Smith will share her feelings as a descendant of the Black Van Ness and Van Alen families and the discovery that her ancestors were enslaved by Columbia County’s most prominent residents. She and Peter Smith explain how their research not only led to the creation of a family tree which, to date, has more than 2,000 entries dating back to mid-1700s, but also fostered the establishment of the African American Archive of Columbia County. Lisa and Peter are Deputy Executive Director and Director of Genealogy and Research, respectively, for the African American Archive. · The panel will be moderated by Vicki Jimpson-Fludd, Executive Director of the African American Archive of Columbia County. Brought to you in collaboration with the Hudson Area Library History Room.
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Sunday, February 1st, 2026
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Do you come from a Black family that historically lived in Columbia County?
If you do, we want to hear your story!
Persons of Color Cemetery, Kinderhook, NY
We may be able to help you research your Black Columbia County ancestors.
Help Support our Mission!
As you can see, we're a small organization with big goals. Although we apply for grants to help fund our research and programming, many expenses are still paid for out of our own pockets. Every donation, no matter how large or small, can help defray the costs involved with running the Archive. If you are able to, please consider making a donation to the Archive.
The Archive is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The Archive is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
If you're not able to make a monetary donation at this time, but would still like to support our work, please consider a donation of time. Whether you have a particular skill or just want to be an extra hand at one of our events, we appreciate you!