Back Porch History 2026: Reclaiming Pinkster with Lavada Nahon

Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Pinkster with Lavada Nahon, the Interpreter of African American History at NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Sites! Connected to New York’s Black history is the oldest African celebration in the nation. During Pinkster celebrations, enslaved and free Africans gathered around the colony and state to rest, renew family and friendship ties, and reconnect to a European faith that had been transformed in West Central Africa.  Choices made by the Black community as they moved from property to people lessened Pinkster’s importance but did not erase its historic significance. Reclaiming Pinkster with Lavada Nahon is an hour-long lecture that dissects what Pinkster was and why celebrating it expands the humanity of the enslaved and the lives of their descendants.   Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 Time: 6pm-7pm Cost: Free Registration required? Yes, register on Eventbrite! Location: Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Lavada Nahon is the Interpreter of African American History for the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, Bureau of Historic Sites. A position she has held since its inception in 2019.  With nearly 30 years of public history experience, she focuses on New Netherland and New York, 17th through 19th centuries, specifically, the lives and cultures of Africans and their descendants, enslaved and free. As a culinary and cultural historian, she has worked for a wide variety of historic sites and organizations around the tri-state region. Her mission is to bring history to life by giving presence to the Africans and people of African descent enslaved and free, in New Netherland and New York in whatever way possible. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance’s programs are made possible by The Cowles Charitable Trust and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.