Four new witness stones will be dedicated at Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, New York, on June 19, 2024, to honor the lives and legacies of four individuals enslaved by the Hasbrouck family. This dedication coincides with Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The stones will pay tribute to James, Molly, Gerritt, and Hendrick, who were held in bondage by Jean Hasbrouck, a patriarch of one of the founding families of New Paltz.
Uncovering Historical Legacies
According to Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran, the newly installed stones will increase the total number of witness stones at Historic Huguenot Street to eight. This project is part of a collaborative effort involving Historic Huguenot Street, the Margaret Wade Lewis Center for Black History and Culture, and the Witness Stones Project. The initiative aims to restore the history and honor the humanity of enslaved African individuals.
Moran noted that the existing historical records provide a glimpse into the lives of these individuals. A census from 1703 indicates that nine African people were enslaved in New Paltz shortly after the arrival of Betty, the first documented enslaved African woman in the area. This implies that more enslaved individuals may have been associated with the Huguenot families.
The first documented reference to James, Molly, Gerritt, and Hendrick dates back to August 26, 1712, when Jean Hasbrouck bequeathed these individuals to his children. This action highlights the dehumanizing practices of the time, including separation of families, as noted by Moran. He described the emotional toll this created, particularly for mothers like Molly, who faced the fear of being separated from their children.
Connections to Indigenous History
In addition to the enslaved individuals, Moran emphasized the ongoing interactions between African people and Indigenous communities in the region. Records indicate that Indigenous groups, such as the Esopus people, were engaged in trade and shared experiences with enslaved Africans, illustrating a complex social dynamic that continued long after the establishment of New Paltz in 1677.
On August 14, 1714, an incident involving Gerritt exemplified this interaction. He reportedly warned local Indigenous leaders of a potential attack by Dutch colonists, showcasing his agency in a time when the law denied him humanity. This act of communication between Gerritt and the Esopus people highlights the significant role enslaved individuals played in their communities, despite their legal status.
The historical narrative of Gerritt concludes in the records around 1720, when Jacob Hasbrouck, Jean’s son, drafted his will. Moran noted that while references to enslaved individuals like James and Hendrick appear, the subsequent wills do not mention them explicitly, leaving their stories largely untold.
Acknowledging the Past
As the number of witness stones grows, Moran acknowledged the challenge of recognizing the thousands of African individuals enslaved by early European settlers in New Paltz. He pointed out that current efforts focus on the earliest enslaved individuals from each original Huguenot family, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.
The dedication ceremony will take place during the Juneteenth Jubilee event at the Margaret Wade Lewis Center, where Moran will also discuss the lives of James, Molly, Gerritt, and Hendrick in greater detail. Juneteenth has been recognized as a national holiday since 2021, marking the liberation of over 50,000 enslaved individuals in Texas on June 19, 1865, following the Civil War. This date serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices faced by African Americans and the ongoing journey toward recognition and healing.
By dedicating these stones, New Paltz not only honors the memory of those who endured unimaginable hardships but also fosters a deeper understanding of the complex history that shaped this community.
