Opening Reception for “Slavery in Southold” at Southold Historical Society

Southold Historical Society is proud to announce the installation of a new exhibition titled “Slavery in Southold.” Community members are invited to a view the exhibition on Friday, August 16 at 5pm to take a close look at this difficult but important period of local history.

The exhibition is housed in the Society’s Thomas Moore House on the Museum Complex. This house, built on property that had previously belonged to Thomas Moore, was constructed circa 1750 for Samuel Landon. Records show that Samuel Landon “owned” five slaves in 1751. “Slavery in Southold” examines the lives of enslaved people in Southold Town, their servitude, their daily life, the possibility of freedom or lack thereof.

Society Executive Director, Deanna Witte-Walker stated, “The Exhibits Committee and the Board of Trustees of Southold Historical Society approached the subject of slavery in Southold with sincere thoughtfulness and with a sense of obligation that we, as a community, should not shy away from difficult subjects. We all felt strongly that the story of enslaved people needs to be told.” Witte-Walker stated, “We cannot ignore the parts of our history that are uncomfortable or shameful. We must examine them and reflect on them if we are to learn from them.” To this point, the Society felt compelled to have an exhibit about enslaved people of Southold.

The Society is hosting an opening reception on Friday August 16 under the tent outside the Thomas Moore House. All members of the community are invited. For those that cannot make it on August 16, the Museum Complex is open during normal hours, Saturday and Sundays from 1- 4pm through September 22. There is a suggested admission of $5 per adult and $10 per family on weekends.

For more information about this exhibition or about other Society programs, please call 631.765.5500 or email info@southoldhistorical.org.