The historical connection between Barbados and New York shaped the colonial landscape in the 17th and 18th centuries. Barbadian planters were central to the establishment of provisioning plantations in mid-seventeenth century New York and New Jersey. These wealthy landholders, in the attempt to feed and supply their Barbados sugar plantations, brought with them the practice of matrilineal enslavement to the region. At the same time, the Anglo-Dutch planters of the Hudson Valley developed economic and social ties to the sugar producing island. The bond between the two regions, and the complex flow of grown and manufactured goods as well as enslaved Africans is crucial to comprehending the centuries-long ties between these colonial spaces. This presentation delves into the nature of the inter-colonial exchange and the shared places that define the Barbados-New York connection.
Seth Kamil received his doctorate in American History at Columbia University. His dissertation “The Inter-Colonial Provisioning of Barbados from New York and New Jersey, 1650-1765” drew upon archival materials in Barbados, London, and the Middle Colonies. An experienced educator, Seth is the co-founder and president of Big Onion Walking Tours.
This virtual program is free and open to everyone, but registration is required. Register at the link below.
Please note, this live lecture will not be recorded and will not be available after the conclusion of the program.
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!
