In this presentation, Jessica Harney tells the story of the Florence Settlement and the quest to uncover its history. The Florence Farming and Lumber Association was the governance and business organization used to promote, recruit, facilitate, and develop the Florence Farming Settlement in Florence, NY from around 1846-1860. The primary promoter was the notable black abolitionist Stephen Myers of Albany, NY but through research of his correspondence and newspapers, a list of supporters emerged to tell a more complete narrative of those with whom he was working. The relationship between people, land, and freedom converges in this special place breeding opportunities for self-sufficiency and democratic sustainability for Black Americans. The origin of this settlement is examined and considered in the ways that the political, economic, and social conditions in America impacted the decline of the venture.
About Black History Matters
Black History Matters 2022 is an educational series that seeks to highlight Black American history. NAHOF believes that by understanding history the present may be better understood. The mission of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum is to honor antislavery abolitionists, their work to end slavery, and the legacy of that struggle, and strive to complete the second, and ongoing abolition – the moral conviction to end racism. These February programs will address key events in our national history and are topics in history that are lesser known or whose implications are not usually understood. The presenters are volunteer scholars, educators, authors, and researchers who support this project by donating their time and talents.
This program is funded, in part by, Humanities New York with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any view, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Viewers are encouraged to complete a brief survey for a report to the funder and to guide NAHOF.