New Sag Harbor Whaling Museum exhibit to feature whalers of the African diaspora
The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum has announced the opening of “From Sea to Shining Sea: Whalers of the African Diaspora,” a collaborative exhibition being presented in partnership with Eastville Community Historical Society and Dr. Georgette Grier-Key.
The exhibit opens on Saturday, July 25 and will run until Monday, September 6.
The maritime industry—including whaling—was among early America’s most diverse industries, and one in which the community of Sag Harbor played a key role. Through historic artifacts, contemporary artwork, and interpretive displays, the exhibit explores and highlights the experiences, contributions and impact of African Americans on the whaling industry.
“This exhibition celebrates forgotten Captains and uplifts various ancillary and supporting industry work that was a foundation of the Whaling Era,” said Grier-Key. “It gives me great joy to see this exhibition mounted at the premiere Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum.”
A free public opening reception will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum where Grier-Key, executive director and chief curator of the Eastville Community Historical Society, will deliver remarks on the history and significance of the exhibition during the reception.
“We are honored to partner with the Eastville Community Historical Society and Dr. Georgette Grier-Key to present this important exhibition and celebrate the diverse experiences that have long characterized the maritime and whaling industries,” said Jaime Karbowiak, executive director of the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum. “We look forward to continuing our collaborative work to preserve and share stories that enrich and deepen our understanding of our community’s shared history.”
The Eastville Community Historical Society recently honored the Whaling Museum during its 3rd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee on Friday, June 19 for the museum’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and advancing education within the Sag Harbor community. The opening reception at the Whaling Museum is free to the public and advance registration is not required. Following the reception, visitors are encouraged to continue the celebration by attending Eastville Community Historical Society’s 41st Annual Fish Fry at the historic St. David AME Zion Church in Sag Harbor from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets for the Fish Fry are $50 and are available through the Eastville Community Historical Society’s website, eastvillehistorical.org/donate.
For additional information, please visit the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum’s website, sagharborwhalingmuseum.org.
