An Emancipation Day Picnic :: A Great Day at Lefferts

Since the early 19th century, black communities across the nation have celebrated their culture, freedom and accomplishments with festive gatherings. In the spirit of Juneteenth, Pinkster and Homecomings, on July 1 2012 we invited folks to enjoy a supper club-style picnic featuring the work of local cooks, purveyors, artists and gardeners. A stones throw away, we enjoyed the Annual Freedom Strut at Lefferts Historic House. 

Summer in New York

I'm Free

A Freedom Pioneer

Emancipation Picnic E-Invitation 

Vintage photos of Freedom Day celebrations around the United States of America. Everyone is dressed in their best threads.

Photo Courtesy of Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

Courtesy of Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

Photograph by Richard Aloysius Twine, courtesy of the St. Augustine Historical Society and the Florida Photographic Collection

Photo Courtesy of NYPL, from Harper's Weekly, by J.M.D.

Photo Courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

Courtesy of Harris & Ewing Collection/Library of Congress

Emancipation Day Parade, Richmond, Va

Courtesy of Maryland State Archives

Click image for more details about Emancipation Day Celebration-Brooklyn

Heritage Food USA Carolina Style Pork Shoulder 

Pulled Pork, Vinegar, Onions, Cinnamon

Clinton Hill Pickles Pickled Green Tomato Caprese

Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Honey

Cornbread

In a handwritten cookbook entitled  Mrs. Lefferts Book, Lefferts Historic House staff found a blue piece of paper tucked in the back. The recipe read Receipt for Corn Bread, from the Black Cook on Board Steamer Isaac Newton.

Potato Salad 

Young Potatoes, Baby Fennel, Grilled Scallions 

Collards & Cabbage Slaw 

Apple Cider Vinegar, Shallots, Garlic shoots

 Mini Berry Crisps

Blueberry, Strawberry & Rhubarb

Saratoga Springs Water Co

Saratoga Springs, NY