African Traditions in Colonial New York at Johnson Hall

The Children of Dahomey, an educational performance group specializing in the historical experiences of African slaves in colonial New York, will demonstrate aspects of traditional African culture that were preserved and practiced despite the bondage of slavery.  Also, a dramatic presentation of To Be So Confin’d: Complexities of Slavery in 18th Century New York will be performed by Donald Hyman and Frederick Jones, examining the complexities of northern slavery and the nature of that bondage within one household.   In addition, culinary historian, hearth cooking specialist and independent scholar Lavada Nahon will return to the slave quarters at Johnson Hall to demonstrate open-hearth cooking and interpret historic African and African-American food ways.   There will also be blacksmithing by Olaf Jansson and fur-trading demonstrations, and an Open House of the Hall will be held.  Refreshments will be available for purchase.  A schedule of the various events will be posted that day.