Albany History Fair: The World of James Knapp-Black Life in the Gilded Age

Join us at the 26th Annual Albany History Fair, and explore Black life in Gilded Age Albany through the lens of James Knapp, one of Cherry Hill’s Black residents, and through the many stories interpreted by Albany’s cultural organizations.

There will be special tours, period music, scholars’ talks, exhibits by heritage and community partners, and the opening of The World of James Knapp, an art show featuring original works by local Black artists responding to James Knapp’s story.

Come hear James Knapp’s sheet music collection come to life with a live performance, view the objects and letters that he left behind, or sit down to play dominoes or make paper dolls, like James and his sister would have done when they grew up in Albany.

Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Education Center.

Presentations:
12:30: Dr Kori Graves, UAlbany, will present "I, Too, Am Albany: James Knapp and His Context."

1:30: Dr. Chris Brellochs with baritone LayVon Scott and pianist Elizabeth Gerbi will present James Knapp: Music of The Black Experience.

2:30: Paul & Mary Liz Stewart, Underground Railroad Education Center, will present Black Life through the Lens of the Myers and Elkins Residences.

3:30: Marcus Kwame Anderson, Eisner Award-winning artist, will moderate a panel discussion with artists from The World of James Knapp.

Ongoing Activities:
Music by Carmen Lookshire
Family activities
Tours & Exhibits
The World of James Knapp show with art by Shirley Clark, Paula Drysdale Frazell, Jacqueline Lake, Samirah Muhammad, and Pauline Saunders

The World of James Knapp is a collaboration with Albany Barn and the Underground Railroad Education Center.

Also check out other Arts events in Albany, Business events in Albany, Festivals in Albany.