A new exhibition at the Center for Brooklyn History grapples with the history of slavery in the borough, sharing new research, raising thought-provoking questions, and allowing viewers to gaze upon some 18th and 19th century documents not frequently on view.

“Trace/s: Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery in Brooklyn” is small, but weighty, concentrated in the entry and two display cases outside the library. The importance of family research is given equal consideration to the work of academic historians to give a full picture of slavery in the borough and its generational impact.

exhibition panels
The exhibition includes multiple panels on the first floor

Two large oil portraits, one historic and one new, are the first images that visitors encounter when entering. Connected through the history of slavery in Brooklyn are a 19th century portrait of John A. Lott and a contemporary portrait of Mildred Jones, a great-great granddaughter of Samuel Anderson, who was born enslaved to a branch of the Lott family. Family research brought the story of Samuel Anderson to light, uncovering a Brooklyn Daily Eagle interview from 1898 about his life in the borough.

CBH commissioned artist Rusty Zimmerman of the Free Portrait Project to paint the new portrait, and Chief Historian Dominique Jean-Louis told Brownstoner during an exhibit tour that the large scale of the Lott portrait was purposefully matched for the new painting. “We wanted to make sure that gesture was there for this family who did not have an oil portrait of their own ancestor,” she said.

portrait detail of hands holding a cowbell
In the portrait of Mildred Jones by Rusty Zimmerman, Jones holds a cow bell, a family heirloom

As Lott is depicted among the papers and tomes to reflect his lawyerly profession and role as a judge, artist Zimmerman included objects that hold meaning to Mildred Jones and her family. In her hands, she holds a cowbell that, according to family tradition, descended from Samuel Anderson, who died in 1902.

The exhibition, which opens today, Thursday, January 30, also features some documents not often on view. Included are an excerpt from a Kings County census of 1786 showing the number of free and enslaved residents in the towns of Brooklyn, and a heart-breaking bill of sale for a 9-year-old named Mercy in 1814.

census record for the towns of brooklyn
A 1789 census shows the number of free and enslaved residents in the towns of Brooklyn. Image via Center for Brooklyn History, Brooklyn Public Library
oval painting showing one black and one white man on the farm
“Homestead of Cornelius Van Brunt,” painted by James Ryder Van Brunt in 1859, is reproduced at a large scale for the exhibit

An important resource in pulling the exhibit together was the work of the New York Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society. “We talked to some of their members who took us through specifically researching black history,” Dominique Jean-Louis told Brownstoner. “There are specific ways that it’s challenging, but specific ways that it’s rewarding also.”

The family research journeys of three members of the genealogical society are shared in the exhibit, and some of their treasured family items reproduced. The organization will also be involved in genealogical workshops that will be offered during the exhibition run.

bust roundel of pinky
“Historia Testis Temporum: Pinky,” created by artist Meredith Bergman in 2010, greets visitors as they ascend the stairs to the library

The exhibition opens on January 30 and runs through August 30 at 128 Pierrepont Street. Programs offered in conjunction with the exhibit will include the genealogy workshops as well as panel discussions, school programs, and walking tours.

While the documents included in the exhibition aren’t frequently on view, the vast holdings of the archive are available for any researcher to explore. More information on the exhibit and programming can be found on the exhibition information page online.

The organizers hope the exhibition will inspire other family stories and documents to be brought to light and encourage Brooklynites to use the resources of the Center for Brooklyn History to dive into research. “The work of both academic and independent researchers is needed to really paint an accurate picture of history, especially one that people can connect with,” Dominique Jean-Louis told Brownstoner.

Related Stories

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Brooklyn in Your Inbox

* indicates required
 
Subscribe

What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply