Civil War & Beyond (1861 – 1867)

…Arms! Francis & Loutrel. M1975.387.1. Brooklyn Historical Society. After the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, the Union Army began allowing African American men to enlist for the first time. Despite receiving lower wages, poor supplies, and lesser chances for promotion than their white colleagues, these men demonstrated tremendous bravery to end slavery and be recognized as equal citizens of the United States. Lieutenant Peter Voge…

US Department of Education Resources

…for teachers and their students, grades 4-12; an original theater piece that premiered at the Irondale Theater in May of 2012; a new website; a public memorial in downtown Brooklyn to honor the anti-slavery movement in Brooklyn; walking tours of Brooklyn’s abolitionists’ and URR sites; and a series of public programs scheduled for the next five years. Legacy of Slavery in Maryland preserves and promotes experiences that have shaped the lives of…

Abolitionist Brooklyn (1828 – 1849)

…the pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Perhaps the riots created deep psychological trauma as Cox did not remain an outspoken abolitionist once he relocated to Brooklyn. The Fruits of Amalgamation. E. W. Clay.1839. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society. Teacher’s Manual Section 2: Lesson 9 Critics often demonized abolitionists in the press, by arguing that they promoted miscegenation, or interracial relationships, a sexual perversity in…

Crisis Decade (1850 – 1860)

…oklyn Historical Society. Teacher’s Manual Section 4: Lesson 14 Freeman Murrows, another Williamsburg resident, invented an innovative brush for whitewashing, painting and varnishing. Previously brushes had fixed handles so that the entire brush had to be thrown away once the bristles had worn out. The brush was also adjustable and could be angled to make the work easier. Murrows faced challenges in promoting his invention. He was not permitted t…