Rediscovering the Forgotten History of Blacks in Schoharie County: The Genealogical Record
“Rediscovering the Forgotten History of Blacks in Schoharie County” an educational series and book club discussion led by the Schoharie County Historical Society will continue on Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m. at the Central Bridge United Methodist Church, located at 196 Church Street in Central Bridge, NY.
Based on chapters one and two of the book “Discovering the Forgotten History of Blacks in Schoharie County”, written by the late Jack Daniels, the presentation will be led by Schoharie County Historical Society Genealogist Catherine Adams and will take a close look at the origins of Blacks in Schoharie County with the use of the genealogical record. Utilizing primary sources, including census records, Ms. Adams will piece together the earliest records of Blacks in Schoharie County, when they were brought here as slaves, and weave in family histories and oral accounts of families such as the Vedders and the Teabouts.
Following the presentation by Ms. Adams, participants will be encouraged to take part in an open and respectful discussion on what they have heard, learned, and read.
On Thursday, December 16, Schoharie County Historical Society Trustee and local historian Peter Lindemann will lead a discussion on chapters three, four, and five of the book, taking a closer look at political movements, abolition, woman’s suffrage, religious revivals, and copperhead pushback.
Additional programs will be held on Thursdays January 20, February 17, and March 24.
Series Background:
When local author, historian, and community activist John “Jack” Daniels first published his book “Discovering the Forgotten History of African Americans in Schoharie County” in 1999 he sought to dig into what he believed to be a rich history of Blacks in Schoharie County. A history, he stated, that had hardly been touched in previous interpretations of Schoharie County’s past.
Spanning more than two centuries, the book begins its exploration into the history of Blacks in Schoharie County in the early 1700s and continues with a timeline encompassing wars, local agriculture, schools, churches, abolition, businesses, genealogy, and more.
While Jack believed he had unearthed what he equated to “historical gold” in his research and ultimate publication of the book, he also understood there was much which remained to be done.
“I am sure there is more historical gold about African-Americans in the county to be mined, but I have completed my share of the digging and writing,” stated Jack in the book’s introduction. “I hope there will be others who wish to add to or amend the historical record.”
Despite his call to action, much of that continued research had remained undone upon Jack’s death at the age of 96 in 2012.
The educational series and book club discussion presented by the Schoharie County Historical Society is seeking to take up the mantle set down by Jack and take a deeper dive into the subjects, stories, themes, and questions raised in his writing.
With the help of Schoharie County historians, genealogists, and community leaders, the Schoharie County Historical Society is hosting this series of programs featuring new and continued research into the themes unearthed in the book.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [CAGML-246991-OMLS-20].
The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
To learn how you can get copies of the book call the Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society at (518) 295-7192. To be added to the mailing list for program reminders and additional information email oldstonefortevents@gmail.com
