c/o The New York Public Library
The Central Park Conservancy has announced a new initiative that will support its long-term goal of permanently commemorating Seneca Village in Central Park.
Advertisement
On the 200th anniversary of the founding of Seneca Village in 1825, the Conservancy will host a series of free public programs over the next few years aimed at deepening the public’s understanding of its history and residents. “…these programs will encourage new ways of thinking about commemoration, foster constructive dialogue about the intersection of race and history in public spaces, and gather community and expert input on the next phase of Seneca Village’s commemoration,” states a press release.
The first of these programs will take place on Thursday, March 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem. This inaugural event will highlight the legacy of Seneca Village and set the stage for the program series, which will be designed to facilitate conversation and collaboration through public discussions, educational events, community workshops, and more.
The programming series will culminate with the development of a community-informed framework for Seneca Village’s permanent commemoration within Central Park. The Conservancy invites all New Yorkers to participate in this ongoing dialogue to help shape a commemoration that honors the history, culture, and significance of this remarkable community.
The Central Park Conservancy is also offering free tours of Seneca Village this weekend. Visitors will explore the historical landscape of Seneca Village, learning about its significance as a refuge for Black New Yorkers amidst 19th-century racial discrimination and overcrowding. Official Central Park Conservancy Tour Guides will share insights into the community’s unique role in the City’s history and the events that resulted in the displacement of its residents for the construction of Central Park.
For more information about the initiative, upcoming events, and the history of Seneca Village, please visit the Central Park Conservancy website.
Have a news tip? Send it to us here!
