Schenectady County Historical Society

Our own Michael Diana is featured in WTEN's "Spirit of America: From Colony to Country" piece!

This year, America is celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted. While the entire nation remembers the birth of the United States, that moment is truly a local story to the Capital Region. "From Colony to Country" chronicles how the people who lived in what is now the Capital Region navigated the Revolution, how they responded to threats from indigenous people from the north and west, and how they dealt with each other as they debated the question of independence.

Spirit of America: From Colony to Country America is celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted. While the entire nation remembers the birth of the United States, that moment is truly a local story to the Capit…

🌝 Howlin’ at the Moon returns on June 25 at 7pm for a night of live music in the historic Barn at Mabee Farm!
🎶 Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band are bringing their compelling live show to the Howlin' stage for a night of fresh, joyful Americana and roots.
🎟️ Admission is just $7 or free if you’re an SCHS member. See ya there!

🇺🇸 This month’s Local Patriot is a man who married into a family that is near and dear to our hearts at SCHS: Thomas Brouwer Banker!

Banker was born in Schenectady in 1729 and was a blacksmith by trade. In 1754, he married Anna Mabee, a granddaughter of the Jan and Annetje who founded our Mabee Farm. Banker served as both a first lieutenant and a captain during his time with the local militias, seeing action at Fort Edward, Saratoga, Schoharie, Sacandaga, Beaverdam, Fort Plank, Stone Arabia, Fort Plain, Canajoharie, and Ballston Spa. Towards the end of the war, he was involved in some notable engagements. In September of 1781, Banker led a detachment of soldiers 30 miles to the north of Schenectady to thwart an attack force advancing towards the town. A month later, he was part of the pursuit of Majors Ross and Butler, two notably brutal loyalists in the Mohawk Valley.

Banker’s most famous moment actually occurs outside of any battle, when General George Washington himself toured Schenectady in 1782. When walking through the streets with Banker, an older Black man walked past, removed his hat, and bowed to Washington. When the general returned the gesture, Banker noted that it was not common for the white people in town to acknowledge enslaved people. Washington replied as they walked on: “I cannot be less civil than a poor negro.” Banker’s attitude here gives us a glimpse into what life was like for the average person of color, enslaved or free, who lived in Schenectady during this time.

[Image description: A document signed by Thomas B. Banker regarding receipt of legacies from the will of Jacob Mabee to Anna Banker, daughter of Jacob and late wife of Banker. The legacy included "one Negro w***h named (Gin)....". This document demonstrates the fact that Banker was involved with enslavement outside of the anecdote with Washington.]