A dedicated group of local historians is introducing a groundbreaking self-guided tour that sheds light on historical sites in the Hamptons pivotal to the Civil Rights movement. Long Island Traditions, the driving force behind this unique tour, is set to kick off the transformative experience at the Southampton African American Museum, located at 245 North Sea Road, on Saturday, January 20, at 11 a.m. The unprecedented initiative will lead participants through the rich historical terrain of East Hampton and Sag Harbor, marking the fourth installment of Long Island Traditions’ innovative TravelStorys series. The tour’s cutting-edge approach leverages modern technology, allowing participants to seamlessly follow using their cellphones and uncover the often overlooked contributions of minority communities.
Nancy Solomon, the esteemed Executive Director of Long Island Traditions, emphasizes the tour’s significance in integrating multimedia resources with modern technology. By incorporating multimedia resources with newer technologies, she ensures that visitors to historic sites gain a more accessible way to understand vernacular and historic sites recognized for their struggle for civil rights and preserving African American and BIPOC communities.
The journey commences at the Southampton African American Museum, situated at the former site of Randy’s Barbershop, once a pivotal community gathering place that embodies the essence of the Civil Rights era. As the tour’s starting point, the museum connects to the region’s historical significance. The South Fork tour extends to crucial stops, including the Eastville Community Historical Society, where an African American community thrived in the 19th century. The location is a testament to the resilience and spirit of a community striving for equality.
A pivotal highlight is the homestead of Pyrrhus Concer in Southampton, a remarkable individual who transitioned from slavery to become a whaler and entrepreneur. His inspiring story symbolizes the triumph of determination over adversity, and this tour aims to bring such narratives to the forefront. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to explore the home of George Fowler in East Hampton, a prominent Montaukett known for his role as a gardener for landscape painter Thomas Moran.
The collaborative effort behind this transformative program involved vital figures such as Dr. Georgette Grier-Key of the Eastville Community Historical Society, Brenda Simmons of the Southampton African American Museum, Michael A. Butler—an influential African American artist and activist in Sag Harbor—and former East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc. Their collective expertise and enduring dedication have shaped a tour that educates and honors marginalized communities’ resilience and contributions.
The inspiring project receives crucial funding from the African American Civil Rights grant program through the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service and the New York State Council on the Arts. It exemplifies a steadfast commitment to preserving and promoting awareness of Civil Rights history, ensuring these vital stories resonate with present and future generations. As the Hamptons prepare to unveil this trailblazing Civil Rights History Backstory Tour, it signifies a significant step towards acknowledging and commemorating the diverse stories that have shaped the region’s cultural fabric.
