On September 17, 1825, congregant Andrew Williams and the trustees of the AME Zion Church were among the first to purchase the land between West 82nd and 89th Streets, which became Seneca Village.
Seneca Village was a settlement of predominantly African American property owners in Manhattan, existing from 1825 to 1857. Located in what is now the west side of Central Park, the village was destroyed by eminent domain to make way for the park, forcing its residents to relocate.
A vibrant community with homes, churches, and a school, Seneca Village offered a refuge from discrimination and the opportunity for property ownership and voting rights, a rare opportunity for African Americans at the time
To honor this 200th anniversary, the Central Park Conservancy will host a music-filled service at the historic Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem.
Through the sermon, live music, and a conversation with historians, participants can learn about the roots of this thriving predominantly African American 19th-century community.
This event will take place from 11 am until 2 pm on Sunday, September 14th at the Mother AME Zion Church, 140 West 137th Street in Harlem.
Read more New York State Black History.
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