Birch Tree in the Woods
Dublin Core
Title
Birch Tree in the Woods
Subject
Birch Tree in the Woods —19th century, 20th century, Long Island (N.Y.)--History, Plantation life--New York-Shelter Island, Slavery--America--History
Description
Hope and Isabell
Hannah, alongside her husband and daughter, Hope, were the first enslaved African family on Shelter Island. Although Isabell was born on the Island at about 1665, there is little information as to Hope’s age when she arrived the Island with her parents or her place of birth. Hope and Isabell grew up on the Island as the first generation of children born to enslaved African families. Both sisters learned about their African history and heritage on the island from their mother.
After the death of Nathaniel Sylvester in 1680, Isabell was willed to Elizabeth Sylvester who was only 14 at the time. When Elizabeth married in 1686 and moved to Southold, Isabell left with her. Hope was also bequeathed to Elizabeth in 1687 when Grizzell died.
Hannah, alongside her husband and daughter, Hope, were the first enslaved African family on Shelter Island. Although Isabell was born on the Island at about 1665, there is little information as to Hope’s age when she arrived the Island with her parents or her place of birth. Hope and Isabell grew up on the Island as the first generation of children born to enslaved African families. Both sisters learned about their African history and heritage on the island from their mother.
After the death of Nathaniel Sylvester in 1680, Isabell was willed to Elizabeth Sylvester who was only 14 at the time. When Elizabeth married in 1686 and moved to Southold, Isabell left with her. Hope was also bequeathed to Elizabeth in 1687 when Grizzell died.
Creator
Unknown
Source
Sylvester Manor Archive
Publisher
NYU Fales Library & Special Collections
Date
Undated
Rights
Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder. Please contact the Fales Library and Special Collections, fales.library@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596.
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
photo
Files
Citation
Unknown, “Birch Tree in the Woods,” Sylvester Manor, accessed September 17, 2026, https://aphnyu.org/creatingdigitalhistory/2024/sylvestermanor/items/show/9.