Considering a New City Landmark: The Legacy of Former “Colored” School No. 4

Despite four centuries of its African American presence, New York City has few buildings that reflect the complex historical trajectory, milestones and breadth of the Black experience in our great metropolis. However, the former “Colored” School No. 4, a forgotten city-owned building in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, sheds unexpected light on Gotham’s forgotten past. Spearheaded by historian and MAS guide Eric K. Washington, new interest in this old building has been captivating public and media attention, not to mention that of the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). Eric will give you a virtual overview of the historic schoolhouse, which has stood on West 17th Street since 1850, and will introduce many of the notable teachers, students and visitors associated with this remarkably surviving Black heritage site.

Read more about Eric K Washington here.