SAR Library Honors Black History Month
February is Black History Month! To celebrate, the SAR Genealogical Library has worked to showcase items from our collection that highlight the importance of African Americans in our nation’s history.
Updated ‘Featured Titles’ Display:
The SAR Library holds an abundance of sources on African American history. We’ve selected a variety of titles that showcase the complex involvement and rich history of African Americans during the Revolutionary period.
For those of you who missed the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Association’s annual virtual conference this fall, we have acquired the accompanying conference booklet, Resurrecting the Memory and Space of Black Patriots and History Makers>. This booklet includes the syllabus material from the sessions given. Reminder, their theme in 2022 was about researching and finding Black Patriots.
Speaking of books, are you perhaps looking for BIPOC Patriots? The Daughters of the American Revolution have digitized their book Forgotten Patriots. Head on over to their site now to download your free copy!
Rest assured, these are not the only titles we have relating to the endeavors and patriotism of African Americans. Be sure to ask the staff about our resources! For those of you who may not physically be able to visit, be sure to check out our online catalog!
History On Display: Just Arrived!
A special exhibit from our Archives can be found on the Library’s mezzanine level. This pop-up features two newly-acquired items representing important African American figures.
Phillis Wheatley: The first item is an original 1773 publication of The Gentlemen’s Magazine (a London-based publication). What makes this item special? It contains a published poem by none other than Phillis Wheatley! Her poem, On Recollection, sees Wheatley appealing the Mneme, the Greek Muse of Memory, to help her remember her place of birth, Africa. Having been enslaved and brought from Africa during her childhood, Phillis wrote this poem during her enslavement. Though she was freed the year following this publication, she died in 1784, just after the Revolution.
Prince Hotchkiss:
On June 4, 1777, a young man by the name of Prince Hotchkiss enlisted with the 8th Connecticut Regiment. While it is unknown if he was free or enslaved, he is one of roughly 5000 individuals of African descent who participated in the Revolution. On display is a 1782 pay document showing Hotchkiss’ name and signature (indicated by an ‘X’) to confirm backpay owed to him for his service.
Stay tuned!
We are always looking to highlight important persons and events in Revolutionary history. Join us in March as we celebrate Women’s History Month with a fresh display of titles that highlight and recognize many of the strong women of the Revolutionary period.