Exhibitions

Enslavement was a devastating reality for peoples of African and Indigenous descent in New York from the time of the Dutch occupation in the 1620s until the state abolished slavery in 1827. The number of people enslaved in New York rose from 2,256 in 1700 to over 21,000 by 1790. Following their emancipation, many rural families stayed close to where they were formerly enslaved and often maintained close kinship ties leading to the growth of rural neighborhoods throughout the Hudson River Valley during the 19th century. 

This exhibition highlights the story of the Powell family, beginning with Thomas and Betty Powell, the first generation of the family identified in this long history. The couple were enslaved by the Fonda and Lansing families near Boght Corners north of Albany, New York. They married in the Reformed Dutch Church in 1808 and were free from bondage by 1818 when they purchased a 5-acre tract from their former enslavers. They continued to expand their property over the years and operated the largest African American-owned farm in the Albany area. Thomas, Betty, and their descendants maintained the ownership of a homestead and farm for 140 years while experiencing triumph, tragedy, success, and loss. 

No pictures or personal letters about the immediate Powell family or their farm have been found. The family’s story would remain untold without archaeological evidence gathered through careful excavation. Historical Archaeologists from the New York State Museum are uncovering new clues about the lives of 19th century African American farmers in the Capital Region through active field and laboratory research. Images and artifacts from excavations at the Powell site will be on view.