Yours for the Oppressed, Harriet Myers – Grand Opening Exhibit Celebrating the Activism of Black Women Across Time

Exhibit Opening begins at 2pm in the backyard of The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence. Paul and Mary Liz Stewart will provide a welcome, to be followed by Opening Remarks from curator Derek Healey. Poet and Artist Danielle Colin will read her original poetry piece and offer remarks. Small groups will be escorted to the exhibit in 15 minute rotations. An original painting by Danielle Colin is included in the exhibit. Refreshments and socially-distanced seating will be available in the backyard of The Residence. An After Discussion will commence at 3:45pm. The Grand Opening will conclude at 4pm. Masks covering nose and mouth and social distancing will be required during the Grand Opening. Masks and hand sanitizer are available at The Residence.

Come view the first such exhibit to be installed at The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence. Yours for the Oppressed, Harriet Myers features pieces chosen by our museum’s Special Collections curator in honor of Black Women’s contributions to social justice in America. The exhibition centers around an 1860 letter written by Harriet Myers to white abolitionist John Jay II which is graciously on loan from the John Jay Homestead in Katonah, NY.

Other works on display are publications edited and co-written by Harriet and Stephen, as well as examples of Black abolitionist embroidery, and artwork highlighting the continuation of the movement. We are excited to share with you not only the life of Harriet Myers, but how her activist legacy continues to this day, exemplified by five local Black women: Didi Delgado, Jamaica Miles, Leah Pennimen, Barbara Smith, and Tabetha Wilson.

Harriet’s handwritten one-page letter is a treasure trove of information about UGRR activism, the role of Black female abolitionists, and the political climate of the 1860’s in the Capital Region.

A gem to behold, following the grand opening this letter will be on display during public visiting hours of 5pm-8pm Mondays-Fridays and 12pm-4pm Saturdays. Please call 518-621-7793 to schedule a viewing of Yours for the Oppressed, Harriet Myers.

Masks covering nose and mouth will be required when inside The Myers Residence. Disposable masks are available at The Residence.

Donations are welcomed in support of this exhibit. Donations can be made at The Myers Residence and online at https://undergroundrailroadhistory.org/donate/

Questions? Call 518-621-7793.

See you at the exhibit!