Slavery in New York and Scarsdale

We have published a new article about the history of slavery in Scarsdale, Westchester County and New York City from the 1600s to 1865.

The article is related to our documentary, Scarsdale in the 18th and 19th Centuries: From Hardscrabble Farms to Gracious Estates, which premiered at the Scarsdale Public Library on November 29, 2017. Both the film and article were researched and written by documentary filmmaker Lesley Topping and Barbara Shay MacDonald, the Historian and Vice President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. 

Mrs. MacDonald’s interest in the subject began while she was researching the history of her historic home in Scarsdale, the Underhill House (c. 1687), where she lived until 1998. She recently discovered that in the 18th century a slave family probably lived in the house. The father was the family’s slave master, Thomas Hadden, who lived in Wayside Cottage across the street. His will, which frees the mother, “Wench Rose,” and her seven children can be read on our website.

Drawing on town records, regional censuses, and other sources, the article examines the historical pervasiveness of slavery in Scarsdale and throughout Westchester County and New York City and includes an extensive list of links and resources on the subject.

A plaque, wreathed for Christmas in St. James the Less Cemetery in Scarsdale, commemorates the unmarked graves of fugitive slaves.

Scarsdale’s 18th and 19th Century Heritage Homes

Scarsdale has a remarkable number of 18th and 19th century homes that have been beautifully restored and preserved through the years. To expand on our documentary film, Scarsdale in the 18th & 19th Centuries: From Hardscrabble Farms to Gracious Estates, we’ve created a new article with photos and information on many of the heritage houses in the film, as well as some additional houses.

The Wayside Cottage is one of Scarsdale’s oldest  houses. The date the cottage was built is unknown, but Caleb Heathcote, the founder of the Manor of Scarsdale, conveyed the land to Edmund Tompkins in 1717. 

Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting

THE SCARSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

Monday, February 5th, 7:30 p.m.  
Randy Guggenheimer’s residence
42 Butler Road, Scarsdale, NY

The purpose of the Meeting is to re-elect the following trustees:

• Class of 2021 – 3 year terms – Barbara Shay MacDonald and Lucas Meyer

Continuing trustees are:

• Class of 2019 – Randy Guggenheimer and Stewart Kagan

• Class of 2020 – Seth Kaller and Michael Zeller

All members are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
If you have any questions, please contact us at (914) 723-1744 

Watch Now: Scarsdale in the 18th & 19th Centuries: From Hardscrabble Farms to Gracious Estates

We are pleased to present our new documentary video “Scarsdale in the 18th & 19th Centuries: From Hardscrabble Farms to Gracious Estates.” The video is hosted by Scarsdale Historical Society V.P. and Historian, Barbara Shay MacDonald and was produced and directed by Scarsdale native Lesley Topping. Ms. Topping is an independent filmmaker, producer and film editor whose work includes dramatic films, documentaries, and television programs.

Historical Society Documentary Premiering at the Scarsdale Public Library on November 29th

The Scarsdale Historical Society has produced a new documentary video “Scarsdale in the 18th & 19th Centuries: From Hardscrabble Farms to Gracious Estates” which will be shown for the first time in the Scott Room at the Scarsdale Public Library on Wednesday, November 29th. The video is hosted by Scarsdale Historical Society V.P. and Historian, Barbara Shay MacDonald.

The documentary was professionally produced and directed by Scarsdale native Lesley Topping. Ms. Topping is an independent filmmaker, producer and film editor whose work includes dramatic films, documentaries, and television programs. She has edited award-winning films for the Cousteau Society, CBS, PBS, and A&E, and worked on many feature films. She also produces multimedia content for businesses and not for profits. Richard Westlein is a 12-time Emmy Award winning cinematographer and ABC cameraman.  His extensive credits include “One Life to Live”, “All My Children”, and many ABC programs, documentaries and commercials. He is a cameraman on “The View” and the owner of Jupiter Video that provides state of the art production equipment to many companies. Lesley and Richard are cousins and often partner on independent projects. 

The event at the Scarsdale Public Library will include a reception beginning at 7:00 p.m. followed by a screening of the documentary from 7:30-8:00.p.m. After the film, there will be an opportunity to ask questions of Ms. MacDonald and Ms. Topping.

Our entire collection of documentary films can be viewed here.

See Hamilton in Scarsdale!

For one night only you can see incredible original documents written by Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson and more at the History Discovery Night, sponsored by the Scarsdale Historical Society and the Scarsdale Public Library. The event is on Tuesday, June 6th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

The exhibit will include one of Hamilton’s most revealing love letters to Elizabeth Schuyler, Hamilton’s letter rallying to defeat Jefferson after Washington declined a third term, and a rare printing of the infamous Reynolds pamphlet—along with highlights from the Library’s local history collection.

You can also bring in your own documents, photographs, books, pamphlets, and other materials (except furniture) related to Scarsdale history to learn about preserving and sharing your items. Hear about local history resources available at the Library and the Historical Society, or ask the experts about preservation, digitization and housing or display options. Meet members of Scarsdale Historical Society, Scarsdale Library’s local history librarian Dan Glauber and historic document expert Seth Kaller.

Free and open to the public.
RSVP preferred to scaref@wlsmail.org.