Moffat Library Databases: Exploring Black History
Exploring Black History Year-Round
Explore Black History year-round with free databases, virtual lectures, and resources at your library.
Virtual Resources
- Black Freedom Struggle in the United StatesThis curated selection of primary sources is designed for teaching and learning about the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans. Developed with input from Black history scholars and advisors, its easily discoverable materials are ideal for assignments and special projects focused on U.S. Black history.
- African American Presence in the Hudson Valley through New York HeritageNew York Heritage is a portal for learning more about the people, places and events that contributed to the making of New York State.
- New York HeritageNew York Heritage is a research portal for students, educators, historians, genealogists, and anyone else who is interested in learning more about the people, places and institutions of New York State. The collections in New York Heritage represent a broad range of historical, scholarly, and cultural materials held in libraries, museums, and archives throughout the state. Collection items include photographs, letters, diaries, directories, maps, books, and more.
New York Heritage is a collaborative project of eight Empire State Library Network members: Capital District Library Council, Central New York Library Resources Council, Long Island Library Resources Council, Northern New York Library Network, Rochester Regional Library Council, Southeastern New York Library Resources Council, South Central Regional Library Council, and Western New York Library Resources Council.
Throwback Thursday Articles
Throwback Thursday - Feb. 3, 2022: Local History Collection Highlights
Local History Librarian, Matt Thorenz, highlights some of Moffat Library's collection of regional history books focused on the African American experience in the Hudson Valley.
https://moffatlibrary.org/throwback-thursday-february-3-2022/
Throwback Thursday - Sept. 23, 2021: "A Life of Quiet Dignity: Naomi Sewell Richardson"
Local History Librarian, Matt Thorenz, highlights this 1995 edition of “A Life of Quiet Dignity: Naomi Sewell Richardson” by Alice Jefferson Marshall, Estella Henderson Boyd, Leola Murray Mason, and Karen J. Wilson. Naomi Sewell Richardson (1892 – 1993) was the first African American to graduate from Washingtonville High School, attended Howard University in 1910, and went on to found one of the first Black Sororities in the United States.
https://moffatlibrary.org/throwback-thursday-september-23-2021/
Black History Month Jeopardy for Middle Schoolers
Black History Month Jeopardy
Test your historical knowledge with this free Jeopardy download focusing on Black History for Middle Schoolers.
Many thanks to Gene Maloney for creating and sharing this game!
February 2022
Black Patriots in Washingtonville's All Faith Cemetery via Zoom
Join local historians and genealogists Jill Moore and Sherri Bruen to learn about the rediscovery and remembrance of 15 African American soldiers who served the Union during the American Civil War and are buried here in Washingtonville.
Thanks for joining us this year! You can see the program recording on YouTube if you missed it or would like to revisit the presentation.
Recorded Events
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad via YouTube, Presented by the Friends of Moffat Library
History teacher Leon Dimartino presents on the life and times of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in this hour-long recording.
Jacob Lawrence Art Lecture by Laura Nicholls via YouTube, Presented by the Friends of Moffat Library
Art Educator Laura Nicholls presents on the Jacob Lawrence, a painter who documented African American social experiences and history through his artwork.