The Original Kinderhook Black Family Reunion,

​August 3rd, 2024

Come to the cookout!

African Americans have been an integral part of Columbia County's history for nearly 400 years. The work and contributions of those enslaved at places like Lindenwald were pivotal in making the Hudson Valley what it is today. Once manumitted, those original Black families continued to live, work, and create a vibrant community that survives to this day. The Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, the African American Archive of Columbia County and the Friends of Lindenwald are here to honor the lives and experiences of our enslaved and free ancestors, and celebrate the enduring spirit and power of their descendants.
IS THIS YOU?

1) You're African American

2) Your family is historically from Columbia County, NY

3) Your people have (at least) one of these last names: Van Ness, Van Buren, Van Allen, Springsteen, Harder, Whitbeck, Jimpson, Van Alstyne, Sheldon, Coon, Barthrop, Gardner, Huyck, Vanderpool, Jackson, Minisee, Grimes, Leggett, Burgett, Schermerhorn, Lipscomb*
​If you said yes, PLEASE JOIN US AS WE GATHER FOR A GOOD, OLD FASHIONED FAMILY REUNION!
Gather your family and meet new friends and cousins, trace your family roots, and have a fun afternoon with music, activities, and good food!**

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
11am - 3pm
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
1013 Old Post Road, Kinderhook, NY 12106
Schedule:

11:00 - Welcome
11:20 - Invocation
11:40 - Keynote Address: Black History In Columbia County
12:00 - Lunch and Activities

Activities include:

Tours of Lindenwald House, "Finding Your Roots", Story and Memory Corner, Start Your Own Family Tree, Exhibits, Kids Games and Activities, Music, Free Event Swag, and More!

*We can't list all the family names here -- so if you don't see your family surnames, just come anyway!

**While all are welcome to join us, this event will specifically center on the descendants of Columbia County's original enslaved and free African American families. If you believe you are a descendant, please be sure to fill out the questions on the order form so we know who you are.
This special day is free of charge, but please register by July 30th.

​If you have questions about this event, or are wondering if you could be a descendant, please email us!  We're happy to help!

Virtual Lecture: Thomas Commeraw: Rediscovered African-American Potter of Federal New York

The pottery of Thomas W. Commeraw, a stoneware manufacturer working in New York City 1797-1819, has been acquired by the highest level of American institutions since the early twentieth century. Always assumed to be a white potter of European descent, Commeraw's remarkable life story languished in obscurity until a chance encounter with a census record embarked the speaker on a long but rewarding journey to bring it to light.

An abolitionist, artist and activist who ultimately tried to found a new West African republic, Commeraw stands as one of the most fascinating characters in the history of American ceramics.
 
Guest Speaker:

Brandt  Zipp is the author of Commeraw's Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner, the culmination of nearly two decades of researching Thomas W. Commeraw. It was Brandt's own serendipitous discovery of Commeraw's identity in 2003 that brought this story to the modern world. Brandt is a founding partner of Crocker Farm, Inc., a research-focused auction house known for its high level offerings of period American ceramics.
Sunday, October 29, 2023 
3:00p Eastern
Duration: 90 minutes
This is a free virtual event, hosted on Zoom.
This lecture is a joint presentation of The African American Archive of Columbia County and The Studio Potter Journal.

Juneteenth Talk in Kinderhook

On Juneteenth we took part in the celebration hosted by Africa's Daughters and GOD Belongs in Our County, at the Persons of Color Cemetery in Kinderhook.  Lisa was honored to be a guest speaker, and gave a talk on the history of the cemetery.  See the whole video on our Facebook page.

2023 Lecture Series "In Perspective" begins in February

In association with the Columbia County Historical Society, we are pleased to announce the first in our 2023 lecture series.  You can find more details here.

Our new historical marker is unveiled!

See our blog post for all the details!

Coming Fall 2022:
New Lecture Series in collaboration with the Hudson Area Library and the Columbia County Historical Society

Multiple dates throughout the fall and winter.  Check back here or sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Lecture: African American History in the Hudson Valley

Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 2pm; via zoom
Together with Race Amity of Northern Westchester/Putnam, we will be discussing the history of the Black population of the Hudson Valley, with a focus on our own family research.  Please join us!

​Click here to sign up on Eventbrite.

Our Inaugural Lecture: "Challenges and Obstacles to Researching African American History in the Hudson Valley"

Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 4:30pm; via zoom
We are pleased to announce the first in our lecture series.  In collaboration with the Columbia County Historical Society, Vicki, Lisa and Pete will be sharing their journey in researching the history and genealogy of the Jimpson/Van Ness families of Kinderhook.  In addition to our personal history, you'll hear some interesting information about the Black experience in the Hudson Valley, as well as some useful tips for beginning your own family research.  Please join us.

Tickets are available on the CCHS website here.

Proceeds will go to support both the CCHS and the Archive.