Black Labor & Legacy at the Historic Property
All ages • Up to 12 people • 45 minutes
Overview
Activity details
The Thomson family, into whom Thomas Cole married, enslaved people from at least 1790 until 1820. In 1815, the Federal-style Main House that remains today was built by a group that likely included enslaved laborers. Ongoing research is being done on our Site to collect and share stories of the Site’s enslavement history, and the people who labored and worked to make life for Thomas Cole and this household possible.
Learn about the Black residents who lived and labored at the historic property in this walking tour of the Main House. Explore a site-wide display which calls into question the often-hidden experiences of labor, different perspectives on land, anti-Black policies, and the ways in which Black Catskill residents mobilized and formed abolitionist circles in the 19th century.
What's included
- Walking tour of the Main House led by 2025 Cole Fellow Frances. Frances' research as a Cole Fellow focuses on telling the stories of the people who lived and labored at the site. From the generations of women who stewarded Cedar Grove to the history of the greater Black community of the Catskill region, she enjoys learning about the many lives intertwined with the Cole Site.
- Access to the Cole Center and gift shop
What's not included
- Access to any of our annual Sunday Salons or the Thomas Cole & Historic Household guided tours are separate admission. A schedule and tickets are available on our website
- Access to the 1846 New Studio
Additional information
Check-in details
Please arrive ten to fifteen minutes before your tour begins at the Cole Center. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals in the next time slot, but cannot guarantee availability.
Special requirements
- All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions
Accessibility: The first floor of the Main House is wheelchair accessible by an elevator lift to bypass the 11 steps leading up to the first-floor porch. The second floor of the Main House is only accessed by two flights of stairs. The Cole Center, Storehouse, and 1846 New Studio are all wheelchair accessible. The parking lot is asphalt and includes a number of accessible spaces. The walking paths are loose gravel.
Animal Policy: Pets are welcome on the grounds, though they must be leashed during our open hours and may not be left unattended at any time. Pets may not enter the buildings or go onto the porch of the Main House. Service animals are welcome.
If you need to discuss accessibility concerns or have any questions about our animal policy, please email us at info@thomascole.org.
Extras
- Enhance your visit with our free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
- A wheelchair is available upon request in the Cole Center for on-site use on a first come, first served basis.
Disclaimers
We will try to accommodate late arrivals in the next time slot, but cannot guarantee availability.
FAQs
For questions, please email us at tickets@thomascole.org (preferred) or leave us a voicemail at 518-943-7465 ext. 122.
Cancellations
Refunds are available for bookings cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. Rebooking your tour to a new time slot and/or date is an option up to 1 hour before your tour start time.
Please email tickets@thomascole.org with your booking change requests.