The Saratoga County History Center, in partnership with the Saratoga County History Roundtable, is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit at Brookside Museum to celebrate Black History Month: “Black Experiences in Saratoga County, 1750-1950.”
The expansive exhibit explores the diverse lives of African Americans in Saratoga County from the colonial period through the mid-twentieth century. It is a panorama of the struggles and hardships, but also stories of their persistence and success. Displays will feature little-known events, as well as objects and memorabilia that bring to life the men and women who were often the heart and soul of Saratoga society.
Needless to say, the new exhibit is a product of diligent research by a team of local historians brought together by the History Center: Jim Richmond, Saratoga County
History Roundtable; Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian; Anne Clothier, Saratoga County History Center; Maryann Fitzgerald, Saratoga Springs City Historian; Kendall Hicks, Exalted Ruler of the Frederick Allen Elks Lodge of Saratoga Springs; and Lorie Wies, Saratoga Springs Public Library.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the exhibit design is that the panels will be available for display in other venues in the county,” notes Project leader Jim Richmond. County Historian Roberts added, “This collaborative effort pulls together resources from several local repositories that shed light on Black experiences throughout our past. Using a chronological approach, the exhibit illustrates change over time in the areas of culture, employment, and community.”
“The History Center strives to preserve and share the experiences all the communities of Saratoga County,” explains Dr. Michael Landis, History Center trustee and chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative. “It is critically important that we create exhibits and programs that not only showcase diversity in the county but challenge traditional historical narratives.”
The exhibit will be open at Brookside Museum (6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa) on Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 4 PM, beginning February 6. Hours will be expanded in the spring and summer. It is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. All proceeds will go directly to museum upkeep and public programming.
