“Rediscovering the Forgotten History of Blacks in Schoharie County” an educational series led by the Schoharie County Historical Society will continue tonight, Thursday, February 17, at 7pm at the Community Library, 110 Union Street, Cobleskill.
Based on chapters seven and eight of the “Discovering the Forgotten History of African Americans in Schoharie County,” written by the late Jack Daniels, the presentation will be led by SCHS genealogist Catherine Adams.
Utilizing the historical record, Ms. Adams will take a closer look at the circumstances that brought several black families and individuals to Schoharie County, including Chloe and the Vedder, Teabout, Vrooman, and Ray families.
Following the presentation by Ms. Adams, participants will be encouraged to take part in an open and respectful discussion on what they have heard, learned, and read.
The series will conclude on Thursday, March 24, when presenters will wrap up the six-part series with a discussion on the exodus of black families from Schoharie County, success stories, and final thoughts before all are invited to join in a closing reception.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [CAGML-246991-OMLS-20].
To learn how you can get copies of the book call the Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society at (518) 295-7192.
To be added to the mailing list for program reminders and additional information email oldstonefortevents@gmail.com.

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When local author, historian, and community activist John “Jack” Daniels first published his book “Discovering the Forgotten History of African Americans in Schoharie County” in 1999 he sought to dig into what he believed to be a rich history of Blacks in Schoharie County.
A history, he said, that had hardly been touched in previous interpretations of Schoharie County’s past.
Spanning more than two centuries, the book begins its exploration into the history of Blacks in Schoharie County in the early 1700s and continues with a timeline encompassing wars, local agriculture, schools, churches, abolition, businesses, genealogy, and more.
While Mr. Daniels believed he had unearthed what he equated to “historical gold” in his research and ultimate publication of the book, he also understood there was much which remained to be done.
“I am sure there is more historical gold about African-Americans in the county to be mined, but I have completed my share of the digging and writing,” he said in the book’s introduction.
“I hope there will be others who wish to add to or amend the historical record.”
Despite his call to action, much of that continued research had remained undone upon his death at the age of 96 in 2012.
With the help of Schoharie County historians, genealogists, and community leaders, the Schoharie County Historical Society is hosting this series of programs featuring new and continued research into the themes unearthed in the book.