"There Is a River: Social & Economic Contributions by Africans Along the Hudson, From the Dutch Period to the American Revolution"

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In honor of Black History Month, this lecture by Dr. A.J. Williams-Myers will focus on the influence of enslaved labor on the economic development of the Hudson River colonies, and the societal impact of African participation in both the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War. At a reception preceding the lecture, Dr. Williams-Myers will be signing copies of his books; his book "Long Hammering: Essays on the Forging of an African American Presence in the Hudson River Valley to the Early Twentieth Century" (Africa World Press, 1994) will be available for purchase ($19.95 plus tax).

Accompanying the lecture will be a premier presentation of Historic Huguenot Street’s new “Fighting on Two Fronts” vignette, which portrays the story of Augustus Freer, an African American descendant of Huguenot Street who fought in World War II.

A reception catered by Bridge Creek Catering will begin at 5 pm in the Craig House (18 Broadhead Avenue) where the public will have the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of rarely seen collections in our strategic planning, interpretive, and programming offices. The reception will be followed by the vignette and Dr. Williams-Myers’ lecture at Deyo Hall (6 Broadhead Avenue) at 6 pm.

Members $10 (lecture only) or $20 (with reception).
Seniors and military $12 (lecture only) or $22 (with reception).
General admission $15 (lecture only) or $25 (with reception).
SUNY New Paltz students may attend the lecture for free, or both the lecture and reception for $10.

A Professor of Black Studies at SUNY New Paltz, Dr. Williams-Myers received his doctorate in history from the University of California at Los Angeles, with a concentration in African History. He has been a consultant to a number of educational and research projects, and was the historian involved with the ITT Construction Company in developing the Interpretive Center for the African Burial Ground in lower Manhattan. Dr. Williams-Myers has authored a number of books, including "On The Morning Tide: African Americans, History and Methodology In The Historical Ebb And Flow of Hudson River Society" (Africa World Press, 2003) and has published extensively in national and international journals.