2/24/04

New Heritage “Trail” Highlights African American History

Residents, schoolchildren and visitors encouraged to explore 13 significant sites in Westchester, part of project from county's African American Advisory Board

Many people don’t realize just how much African American history there is in Westchester.

After all, this was home to the most popular female jazz singer in the U.S., America’s first self-made millionairess, and one of the first free black communities in the country. Twenty-three enslaved Africans provided the labor to operate a milling complex, bakehouse, farm and dairy in what is now Sleepy Hollow; church members in Tarrytown sheltered fugitive slaves; and soldiers who would otherwise have been slaves fought to their death defending American liberties.

The African American Heritage Trail - detailed in a new guide and driving tour being published this week – links together 13 of the more significant sites, giving information about each and making them easier to visit.

In recognition of Black History Month, County Executive Andy Spano joined members of the county’s African American Advisory Board today to announce the new “trail” and emphasize the significance of African Americans in Westchester’s history. The announcement was made at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, one of the sites featured on the trail.
Spano, who first initiated plans for the trail several years ago, said it was important to give the entire community a way to explore and celebrate the many contributions of African Americans.

“Despite all the challenges they’ve faced, African Americans have been key to the development of Westchester, and this trail makes that clear,” he said. “The county is rich in African American history, but it had never before been organized and linked together so it’s clear and easy to understand. Visiting these sites is a good way to see and feel firsthand some of what people went through to bring us to where we are today. Having this trail will enrich the lives of all Westchester residents.”

The Office of Tourism will begin distributing a brochure this week that includes a map, addresses, phone numbers, hours, and a detailed history of each site. A separate driving tour map will also be available.
The trail is the culmination of several years of work by Westchester County’s African American Advisory Board and the county’s planning and parks departments. Dr. Larry H. Spruill also did significant work on the project, having been recruited to analyze and verify the participation of people of African descent at the proposed sites. Sites, buildings and locations were selected to reflect the actions and experiences of African Americans dating back to the 17th century.

In addition to Philipsburg Manor, sites include Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers; Jay Heritage Center in Rye; John Jay Homestead in Katonah; St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon; the Chappaqua Friends Meeting House; Villa Lewaro, a private house in Irvington; Foster Memorial AME Zion Church in Tarrytown; the Monument to the First Rhode Island Regiment in Yorktown; the Jack Peterson Memorial in Croton; the Ella Fitzgerald Statue in Yonkers; the African Cemetery in Rye and the Stoney Hill Cemetery in Harrison.

Waddell Stillman, president of Historic Hudson Valley, which operates Philipsburg Manor, said his organization was honored to have the Sleepy Hollow site included on the trail. Philipsburg Manor tells the story of the 23 enslaved Africans who operated the farm and milling complex from the 1680s through the middle of the 18th century. Like many of the other sites, Philipsburg Manor is a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Our story is an essential part of the early history of Westchester County, and we are thrilled that more people will learn that history,” Stillman said. “We're very grateful to the National Endowment for the Humanities which has helped us develop school programs and programs for the general public interpreting the history of African enslavement in colonial America. Our program has generated interest on a national level and we're proud to be a part of the African American Heritage Trail.”

County Legislator Lois Bronz noted that the county will benefit greatly from having such an organized tour.

“There’s such a wealth of African American history in this area and it’s so often been overlooked,” she said. “This trail is a perfect way to let people know how much is here and encourage them to get out and explore. I hope everyone will enjoy visiting the county’s African American historical landmarks.”

Legislator Andrea Stewart-Cousins predicted that once word gets out, there will be a lot of interest in learning about the African American experience in Westchester.

“This trail will help us share some of the African American communities’unique history and experience,” she said. “Of course the sites themselves have been there for years, but it will make such a difference to have them organized and detailed in a way that makes it easy for everyone to visit.”

The county also hopes that schools will use the trail as an educational tool.

County Legislator Clinton I. Young, Jr. said that he hoped the trail would also provide some economic benefit.

“This trail has to be more than a path celebrating the past. It has to be a highway of economic opportunity for the future. It would truly be an injustice to a rich legacy if there is no corresponding financial gain for the community," said Young.

To get a copy of the brochure, call the Office of Tourism at (914) 995-8500.