Historic Huguenot Street is presenting a new online exhibit, Jane Deyo Wynkoop. Wynkoop is believed to be the first African American — man or woman — to buy land in the Village of New Paltz, in Ulster County, New York.
Despite humble beginnings, her diligence and determination resulted a purchase of land that was the first step toward opening the door for her sons’ acquiring the right to vote. Through original archival documents, the exhibit Jane Deyo Wynkoop explores her story from birth in 1803 to death in 1876, at age 73. The exhibit may be viewed online.
The exhibit is the second in a series of online exhibits being developed by the HHS Curatorial Department focused on prominent women in the history of New Paltz, sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts. The exhibit’s launch comes just before Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the effective ending of slavery in the United States.
Joining other institutions across the country and abroad, Historic Huguenot Street has launched a new online programming initiative that includes videos, hands-on activities, special deals from the museum shop available for delivery, and new ways to participate and explore its exhibitions, archives, and collection. These virtual experiences will be available on the museum’s website and shared through its social-media channels using the hashtag #MuseumsFromHome.
Anyone interested in supporting Historic Huguenot Street and its new approach to online programming and digital content can become a member or make a donation on the museum’s website.
Photo of Detail from Register of Slaves (1799-1825), Records of the Town of New Paltz, courtesy of the Historic Huguenot Street Archives.
This virtual exhibit is brilliant and fascinating to me. I love to learn New Paltz and Ulster County history….Thank you all for making it available online.
Sincerely, Patty Matteson