Each year, public audiences and heritage partners gather at the Albany History Fair for a day of activities and presentations around a unique theme in Capital City history. On Sunday, May 4th, the 26th Annual Albany History Fair will explore Black Life in Gilded Age Albany through the documented experiences of James Knapp, one of Cherry Hill’s residents and the descendant of a woman once enslaved there—and through the many stories brought forward by our heritage partners.
A collaboration this year with the Underground Railroad Education Center, the 26th Albany History Fair will include an unrivaled slate of activities all free of charge. There will be special tours, family activities, collection highlights, scholars’ talks, music, exhibits by community and heritage partners—and the opening of The World of James Knapp, an art show exhibiting original works by local Black artists responding to James Knapp’s story.
This year also presents a special opportunity to honor Paul and Mary Liz Stewart, co-founders of the Underground Railroad Education Center, for their pioneering work uncovering, preserving, and interpreting the histories of Albany’s Black residents.
The Albany History Fair provides critically needed support for Historic Cherry Hill’s preservation and educational mission. Your donation will help to bring quality programming to public audiences, raise the profile of our region, and support our ongoing efforts to uncover and magnify the stories of people once marginalized.
We hope you will donate, and join us at the fair!