HYDE PARK, N.Y. — The Hyde Park Town Board highlighted local heritage and community service earlier this month by unveiling a major archaeological study of one of the Hudson Valley’s most significant African American historical sites.
Hartgen Archeological Associates presented findings from a multi-year study of the New Guinea Community site near Hackett Hill Park on East Market Street. The settlement, which thrived from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, was home to free and formerly enslaved Black residents and served as a refuge for people traveling the Underground Railroad.
Archaeologists uncovered house foundations, ceramics, and stone walls along Fredonia Lane.
The town, led by Supervisor Torreggiani, secured a $33,750 Development of Cultural Resource Grant from the Hudson River Valley Greenway to support the research. Artifacts, including tools, maps and original deeds, are on display at the Hyde Park Historical Society.
“This site remains one of the most important early African American historical sites in the Hudson Valley,” Supervisor Torreggiani said.
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