Becoming Solomon Northup

Clifford Oliver Mealy presents Becoming Solomon Northup at the Victoria Pool House (58 Roosevelt Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866). Upon starting a job with the Bureau of Historic Sites for New York State as a photographer, Mealy moved to Greenwich in Washington County in 1992. He walked into the local library where he was handed a first edition from the reference collection of 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup. He could not put it down. It was then he realized he not only didn't know anything about history, he didn't know anything about his own history. He took up the mantle interpreting Northup and 25 years later is known throughout the state for his thoughtful, soulful, and empathetic portrayal. Mealy will discuss Northup's life before and after the abduction and the lessons he has learned from becoming Solomon Northup.

The presentation is part of OPRHP's Solomon Northup "Hope Out of Darkness" statue series. The sculpture is on display in front of the Lincoln Bathhouse (65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866) at Saratoga Spa State Park until Oct. 7, 2025. Accessibility Note: Due to its historic nature, the Victoria Pool House has steps leading into the space. A ramp is located at the 58 Roosevelt Bar and Grill entrance, but a single stair leads into the Victoria Pool House room.

Victoria Pool House: 58 Roosevelt Ave. Free, no registration required