Hidden Heritage
Susan Stessin-Cohn is an archivist at Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, NY. One day she stumbles upon a 200 year old document that leads to her discovery of a 19th century mystery of secret identity. 6.5 minutes
  This is the archive room where Susan does her research. She handles the 200 year old letter with great care using white gloves and a special tool to turn the pages.
On the right is a photo of the fragile document that details the accusations against Reverend Murphy.
Professor A.J. Williams-Myers from University of New Paltz discusses Susan's research.
Listen to audio on left:
Slavery in NY - When was slavery outlawed in NY state? 1.5 minutes
Passing for White - How common was it for someone to pass for white? 1.5 minutes
A Sad Story - What can we learn from Reverend Murphy's story? 1.5 minutes
Learn More
Reverend James Murphy is featured in The Missing Chapter: Untold Stories of the African American Presence in the Hudson Valley an online exhibit on hrvh.org.
Books
Armstead, Myra B., ed. Mighty Change, Tall Within : Black Identity in the Hudson Valley. New York: State University of New York P, 2003. Williams-Myers, A. J. On the Morning Tide : African Americans, History and Methodology in the Historical Ebb and Flow of Hudson River Society. New York: Africa World P, 1999.
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