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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.
AUTUMN 2025 EVENTS!
Speaking of History: Ethnic Diversity in 18th Century New York
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The Van Bergen Overmantel comes to life in an interactive history event for the whole family.
Sunday, September 21st, 1:30pm at Kinderhook Memorial Library, Kinderhook This event has already passed, but please check out the video on our YouTube channel today.
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So Many Souls: The Magnitude of Dutch Slavery in the Hudson Valley
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Slavery in the North is a topic that not many people talk, or even know, about. In his ground-breaking work, Prof. Michael Douma provides a new interpretation of Dutch American slavery in the Upper Hudson Valley which changes much of the traditional assumptions about slavery in New York.
The story of northern slavery is a rich, complex and unique story just waiting to be told. It is not a better story than that of the South. It is certainly not more humane. It is just different. To purchase Michael Douma's new book, "The Slow Death of Slavery in Dutch New York", click here. Sunday, October 5th at 2pm at the Hudson Area Library |
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This event has passed, but please check out the video on our YouTube channel.
Were There Slaves in Your Cellar?
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Have you ever been curious whether your cellar – or any area of your home -- was once used as living quarters or a hiding spot for enslaved people? Discovering that your home was a space of enslavement might feel daunting, but consider the immense value it holds for Black history and genealogy in the Hudson Valley.
Join us on Sunday, November 16, as Architectural Historian Walter Wheeler discusses how and where the enslaved lived in rural Dutch New York. This event is highly recommended for homeowners interested in uncovering their house’s colonial history, as well as for anyone fascinated by Dutch vernacular architecture or Black history and life in the rural upper Hudson Valley. Sunday, November 16, 2pm, at the Hudson Area Library This event will be held in-person, but there will also be a livestream. Be sure to register correctly! This event has passed, but please check out the video on our YouTube channel.
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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!