The Slow Death of Slavery in Dutch New York

The Dutch had an important influence in developing and maintaining slavery in what is now New York State. Indeed, to understand the history of slavery in New York we need to recognize it as more distinctly Dutch.

Dutch attitudes about the utility and morality of slavery presented a major roadblock in attempts to end slavery in New York State through gradual abolition, by resisting the political and legal changes that ultimately brought about the end of slavery in the state in 1827.

The Schenectady County Historical Society will host “Where Did All the Slaves Go?,” a virtual presentation by Georgetown Professor Michael Douma discussing a chapter from his forthcoming book, The Slow Death of Slavery in Dutch New York, set for Thursday, March 23rd.

Douma’s book will be the first cultural, demographic, and economic history of slavery in Dutch New York.

Michael Douma is Associate Research Professor at Georgetown University. He has published 7 books and 19 scholarly articles.

This program will begin at 6 pm. Tickets are $8, free for Historical Society members. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.