Skip to main

Studying Northern Slavery

Studying the history of Northern slavery can be challenging, as primary documents about enslaved people were almost always written from the perspective of their enslavers. Historians and artists discuss how and why they use research to piece together the lives and experiences of those who were enslaved.

New York Slave Market

19th century

Unknown

In 1711, members of the New York Common Council passed a law to stating that "all Negro and Indian slaves that are let out to hire…be hired at the Market house at the Wall Street Slip…” , thereby establishing New York's slave market, located on Wall Street between Pearl and Water Streets. No longer standing, the site is now recognized with a historical marker.

GRANGER — All rights reserved.

Philipsburg Manor

Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Historic Hudson Valley.

The dairy at Philipsburg Manor

The dairy outfitted with examples of a cooper's work, including barrels, buckets and churns.

Historic Hudson Valley.

The garden at Philipsburg Manor

Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Historic Hudson Valley.

An interpreter and a visitor making shingles at Van Cortlandt Manor

Seated at a shaving bench and using a drawknife, a visitor practices a common colonial woodworking skill.

Historic Hudson Valley.

Philipsburg Manor upper kitchen

Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Historic Hudson Valley.

Van Cortlandt Manor

Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

Historic Hudson Valley.

00 of 00