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SLAVERY AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Slavery was abolished in New York State in 1827,
but full civil rights were not extended to African Americans. In New York City,
black New Yorkers were barred from many public places - including Barnum's American
Museum.
Your task:
Go to Museum Archive and read the "Notice to Persons of Color" in the
February, 27, 1849 New York Tribune (Image Archive). Then go to the Swedish
Nightingale Archive and read the introduction and the December 26, 1850 letter
and commentary published in the National Antislavery Standard in "Past Perspectives."
Then look through the Joice Heth Archive.
After that, explore the museum room and consider how various exhibits refer to race relations.
Imagine and then write about how a black and a white Abolitionist (antislavery advocate) might
respond to these exhibits. What about a white tourist from the South? Be specific about the exhibits.
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