“Hidden in Plain Sight” brings to light the histories of enslaved African people who lived, worked and died on the East End. Sylvester Manor Educational Farm and Eastville Commmunity Historical Society co-host the event.
The 5th Annual Black History Month Celebration takes place Sunday, February 24, 2 to 4 p.m. at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor.
This year’s program will explore the history of slavery on the East End and the omission of that history from the founding narrative of the United States, Sylvester Manor says on its website.
The names of slaves and some facts about them can be found in documents and archives, Sylvester Manor says. But their stories demand further investigation. That process starts with basic questions. How many slaves lived here? What did they do? Where did they go? Where are they buried?
Through these investigations, Sylvester Manor says, “we can change the way our community and its archive keepers think about the past”.
The program will consist of visual presentations and a panel discussion. A reception follows with light appetizers and a cash bar.
‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ panelists
Dr. Georgette Grier-Key is the executive cirector/curator of Eastville Community Historical Society. She is vice president of the Association of Suffolk County Historical Societies. She’s also a cultural partner for Sylvester Manor and guest curator at various outlets. Among them are Sara Nightingale Gallery of Water Mill, and the Suffolk County Historical Society in Riverhead. Dr. Grier-Key is also an advisor to the Long Island Indigenous People Museum and Research Institute.
Aileen Novick is a site administrator /project manager at Hempsted Houses, historic properties in New London that are part of Connecticut Landmarks.
David Rattray is the owner/editor of The East Hampton Star and director of the East Hampton Plain Sight Project.
Donnamarie Barnes, curator/ archivist of Sylvester Manor Educational Farm.
Purchase tickets
Purchase tickets at sylvestermanoreducationalfarm.org. Or, buy tickets at the door. The cost is $15 per person in advance, $20 at the door.
