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The history of the Dyckman farmhouse conveys the story of gradual emancipation and freedom in New York (1790-1850). From 1790, with a total of seven enslaved people within the household, to 1840, the first census year when no African Americans, slave or free, are included in the return, the Dyckman household reflects what was happening throughout the state. Recently, we have been able to conduct more research to try and discover more about the lives of Free Black and Enslaved People in Northern Manhattan. Research is a never ending pursuit, but we do know a few things about the people in the household: In 1820, there were three people living in the farmhouse whose stories are missing: Hannah, Free Black Woman (between 26-45 years old, birth and death dates unknown) According to family tradition, Hannah was a cook for the family and was born at the farmhouse, the daughter of an enslaved woman. |
slavery & freedom |
Free Black Boy (under age 14, name, birth and death dates unknown) Census record in 1820 only identify the head of household (Jacobus Dyckman) by name, other household members are identified only by race, gender and age range. We have not been able to discover yet what his relationship to Hannah may have been. Enslaved Male (name, birth and death dates unknown) Again, census records give only a limited amoutn of information, but do raise interesting questions about the social structure within the household and the relationship between free and slave. So far, research has uncovered the fact that in 1820, sixteen other African Americans were living on the twenty farms around the Dyckma farm. Twelve people were free, but four people were still enslaved. As research work continues into this story and many stories of people who have lived at the farmhouse we will be updating the website. |
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum 4881 Broadway at 204th Street |New York, New York 10034 212.304.9422 |212.304.0635 fax | info@dyckmanfarmhouse.org 2011 Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, all rights reserved. All historic images from the Collection of the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum. Contemporary Images and design by s de vries |