Existing during Weeksville’s heyday and  still intact today, the historic houses located along an old Native American trail and, later, colonial road, are examples of homes of free people of color in the urban North. The homes have been continuously inhabited.

1860s Historic House

A single-story, double-house that contains furniture and other artifacts relating to the mid-19th century. Visitors learn about the agrarian village of Weeksville and its inhabitants during the Civil War era. During the 1863 New York City Draft Riots, Weeksville served as a refuge for African Americans escaping the violence in Lower Manhattan. At this time, residents enjoyed a self-sufficient life, participating in a variety of occupations and developing several important community institutions.

1900s Historic House

A two-story wood framed house that was inhabited by the Johnsons, an African American family of three generations that lived here in the 1900s. Visitors explore the themes of family life in the 1900s against a backdrop of increasing community diversity and national hostility towards African Americans, as well as learning about technological advances of turn-of-the-century America

1930s Historic House

The Williams family, who lived here from 1923 to 1968, stayed together during one of the toughest times in US history – The Great Depression. The artifacts in this house reflect those times and are based on actual furniture and objects that were owned by the Williams. The music, warmth, and stories of this family come alive during a visit to the home.

Finding the Clues: Weeksville Pre-Visit Packet (Elementary School)