Samuel Schuyler (1781-1842) went from dock worker to towboat operator to successful businessman and entrepreneur. He was the patriarch of a large early Albany family. This remarkable but little-known pioneer also was of African ancestry.

The story of Captain Samuel Schuyler is also the story of the initial settlement of Albany's South End in the years following the American Revolution. This illustrated, general audience program focuses on the role of Afro Albanians in the establishment of the city's first and oldest residential neighborhood. It encourages those in the audience to become involved in an exploration of the community's history.

This program is presented by Stefan Bielinski of the Colonial Albany Social History Project in conjunction with the Captain Samuel Schuyler Historical Project - a grass roots initiative currently focused on commissioning a painting by noted historical artist Len Tantillo of Samuel Schuyler and his boat set against the backdrop of nineteenth century Albany. The painting then will be donated to the John Howe Memorial Library located on Schuyler Street in the heart of the old South End.

For more information on the project and on how to become a patron, contact Susan Taylor - the project coordinator.