The Original Kinderhook Black Family Reunion is back for a 2nd year!

And this year, we're celebrating Pinkster!

Sunday, June 8th, 2025
1 to 4pm
Rothermel Park, Kinderhook, NY

Register!

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 to any of these: COME TO THE COOKOUT!

African Americans have been an integral part of Columbia County's history for nearly 400 years -- living, working and even worshipping alongside the Dutch settlers. The labor 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 thrived and created a vibrant community in the midst of the European families.

Pinkster (aka Pentecost) is the original Afro Dutch holiday that's distinct to the Hudson Valley. While their Dutch enslavers celebrated Pentecost, they would, traditionally, give the enslaved a few "days off" to reunite with family and friends, catch up with each other and celebrate. Our stories are intertwined, and Pinkster is our shared holiday!

The Martin Van Buren National Historic Site and the African American Archive of Columbia County are here to honor the lives and experiences of our ancestors, and celebrate the enduring spirit and power of their descendants. This year we're also reaching out to ALL descendants of the original Columbia County families, whose ancestors lived and worked so closely with ours. We're celebrating all of the families that created our home and made it the beautiful place it is today!

This event is part of the Lindenwald Descendants Project, which aims to document the lives of those enslaved at Lindenwald and throughout the county, and their descendants. We recognize that it's impossible to fully document those lives without considering ALL the people living in the community. We encourage everyone to bring your family tree, oral histories and any photos or heirlooms you'd like to share, to help us all learn more about our past.

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.

Activities include: A Pinkster Parade, Ceremony to Honor the Ancestors, Family Genealogy Meeting, Vendors, Exhibits, Kids Games and Activities, Music, Dancing, Food, 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, we are focused on discovering the genealogy and history 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.