The New-York Historical Society Celebrates Black History Month

The New-York Historical Society will celebrate Black History Month featuring Abraham Lincoln, John Brown, and the Civil War. Join us for engaging exhibitions, lively public programs and re-enactors portraying life during the Civil War.

Free admission from Saturday, February 13, through Sunday, February 21, was made possible by a generous grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Exhibitions

Lincoln and New York
Lincoln and New York explores the transformational, complicated relationship between Abraham Lincoln and New York City. Lincoln carried New York State in both 1860 and 1864, but he performed disastrously in New York City, then a thriving port dependent on cotton and trade with the slave-holding South. Notwithstanding his support from portions of the New York press, no American president was perhaps ever more unpopular here than Lincoln. Echoes of today's battles in the media between the right and left can be seen in the headlines of anti-Lincoln Democrats and pro-Lincoln Republicans. Lincoln and New York casts new light not only on the Civil War years but on today's political landscape.

John Brown: The Abolitionist and His Legacy

This exhibition explores Brown's beliefs and activities at a critical juncture in American history and invites us to ponder the struggle for civil rights down to the present.

Public Programs

Tuesday, February 16
6:30p.m.
The History of the Abyssinian Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III

The Abyssinian Baptist Church is the first Baptist "mega-church" in New York, organized in 1808 by free African Americans and Ethiopians who refused to accept segregation in the House of God. Join us for a very special evening with one of the nation's most recognized and respected spiritual leaders on its history and importance to the city and our nation.

Thursday, February 18
6:30p.m.
David Ruggles and the NYC Underground Railroad

Graham Hodges, Eric Foner

David Ruggles was the best known "conductor" of the Underground Railroad in New York City, with Frederick Douglass one of 600 fugitives whom Ruggles sheltered in his home. In a striking departure from other abolitionists, Ruggles refused to rule out violence in helping fugitives and free blacks, arguing that self-protection was only sensible.

February 2010 Living History Days at New-York Historical Society

Do you want to know what life was like as a soldier in the American Civil War? Visit the New-York Historical Society on Saturdays during Lincoln and New York and John Brown: The Abolitionist and His Legacy as Reenactment troops and Living History actors recreate the world of Civil War America. Saturdays, 10am-5pm For more information, call 212-485-9205 or visit www.nyhistory.org. The program is free with museum admission. Civil War reenactors will display original weaponry and show visitors what life was like both on the battlefield and on the sidelines of the war.

February 6, 2010
11th Connecticut Infantry, Co. A

February 13, 2010, Presidents' Weekend
6th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops

2nd New Jersey Cavalry

22nd U.S. Colored Troops

February 20, 2010

3rd U.S. Colored Infantry

February 27, 2010

119th New York Infantry

WHAT: THE N-Y HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

WHEN: FEBRUARY 2010. PRESIDENTS' WEEK FREE ADMISSION FEBRUARY 13 - FEBRUARY 21

WHERE: NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

170 CENTRAL PARK WEST AT 77TH STREET

ADMISSION: MEMBERS AND CHILDREN UNDER 12: FREE;

ADULTS: $12; SENIORS AND EDUCATORS: $9; STUDENTS: $7

Directions: To get to The New-York Historical Society take B or C trains to 81st Street or M10 bus to 77th Street; M79 to 81st and CPW.