.png)
This talk will examine three iterations of the effort by enslaved people to gain their freedom in 1700s Westchester County. Quakers in the eastern part of the county were under pressure from Quakers meetings north of them and from their own consciences as a steady stream of Freedom seekers moved through the area. The Philipsburg Proclamation during the Revolutionary War both put pressure on Patriot slaveowners and gave new incentive to enslaved men to break out of their bonds and join the British war effort. And throughout the entire 18th century, scores of enslaved men, women and children took the momentous step to free themselves. These “aspects of emancipation” shed light on the risks and opportunities facing enslaved people during this period.
Peter Bunten is Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project, located in Dutchess County, NY. Peter is the current Vice President of the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State and a Trustee of the Dutchess County Historical Society. Before his retirement in 2018, Mr. Bunten was the Education Manager for Historic Hudson Valley. He has a Master’s degree in Historical Studies from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with an emphasis on Public History.
This virtual program is free and open to everyone. Access at the link below.
The Philipse Manor Hall History Lecture Series is sponsored by the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall and Tompkins Bank. To support more programs like this one, become a Friend today!
