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Skunk Hollow: A Free Black Community (1806-1905)

February 22, 2022 by Clare Sheridan Leave a Comment

crossroads of rockland historyOn the February 2022 episode of “Crossroads of Rockland History,” Clare Sheridan revisited the interview with historical archeologist Joan Geismar, and the fascinating area known as Skunk Hollow. Dr. Geismar has been a practicing urban archaeologist since 1981 and wrote her dissertation on free black community that lasted from 1806 until 1905.

The first known deed dated 1806 belonged to Jack Earnest from Palisades. In 1841, William Thompson, an African Methodist Episcopal itinerant preacher bought Jack’s house, built a church on his land, and became resident preacher. Over one hundred families lived in Skunk Hollow including the Browns, Olivers, Siscos, Thompsons, Williams and others.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.

The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.

For a full list of this week’s New York Almanack podcasts announcements click HERE. 

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Filed Under: History, New York City Tagged With: Black History, Podcasts, Rockland County

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