The "Forgetting to Remember" project, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to the Sag Harbor Cinema and the Plain Sight Project, illuminates the unknown history and contributions of enslaved, indentured, and free people of color on the East End.
The cinema, the Plain Sight Project, and the Eastville Community Historical Society in Sag Harbor have planned a series of events in conjunction with "Forgetting to Remember."
An exhibition will open at the historical society on Saturday with a reception from 1 to 5 p.m., after which it will be open on Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment, through July 31.
It features artwork by Michael A. Butler, a Sag Harbor artist and historian whose portrait of David Hempstead, Senior, depicts the formerly enslaved man's legacy, both in Eastville and the wider community. Smaller portraits honor several freedom-seeking enslaved people, with documents and digital maps detailing their lives on view as well. More information can be found on the historical society's website.
On July 15 at 1 p.m., on the lawn of the historical society, Mr. Butler will take part in a discussion of the question, "Now that we know, what do we do?" He will be joined by Donnamarie Barnes and David Rattray, co-directors of the Plain Sight Project; Georgette Grier-Key, executive director of the historical society, and Brenda Simmons, executive director of Southampton's African American Museum. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required at forgettingtoremember.eventbrite.com.
The Sag Harbor Cinema will show "Forgotten Founders: David Hempstead, Senior," a short documentary by Sam Hamilton and Julian Alvarez, on July 16 at 11 a.m. The film traces its subject's life on the East End from slavery to freedom, and also highlights the work of the Plain Sight Project, which helped uncover details about his life.
The screening is free, but registration via the cinema's website is necessary.
