Sandy Ground Historical Society

07/06/2026

The Sandy Ground Historical Society extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Historic Districts Council for honoring our organization with the 2026 Grassroots Preservation Award.

We are especially grateful to Frampton Tolbert, Executive Director of the Historic Districts Council, Francoise Astorg Bollack, President of the Historic Districts Council

We also thank the Historic Districts Council Board, staff, volunteers, and everyone who made this year's awards ceremony such a memorable evening celebrating preservation across New York City.

Receiving this recognition is an honor, but it also reminds us that preservation is a shared responsibility. It succeeds because of organizations, professionals, volunteers, descendants, and community members who believe that history should be preserved, protected, researched, and shared with future generations.

As the Sandy Ground Historical Society continues its mission of preserving, researching, protecting, and educating the public about the history of Sandy Ground the oldest Free Black settlement in the nation with descendants still living there today, we are grateful to stand alongside preservation partners who recognize the importance of this work.

Thank you for recognizing our mission and for helping ensure that Sandy Ground's history continues to be preserved as an important part of American history.

Preservation is not passive

It is stewardship.

It is responsibility.

It is partnership.

Photo Credit Andrew Lee

07/04/2026

In celebration of the July 4th, we present:

America Through Sandy Ground Reflection No. 1

"250 Years of American Independence"

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we pause to reflect on the many communities whose history has helped shape our nation.

Founded in 1828 by Moses Harris and Silas Harris, Sandy Ground became the oldest Free Black settlement in the nation, with descendants still living there today.

Through land ownership, farming, faith, family, education, entrepreneurship, and self-determination, generations of residents built a thriving community. As Sandy Ground continued to grow, maritime families later joined the community and added to its strength, helping shape the rich history of Staten Island's South Shore.

Sandy Ground’s Underground Railroad history is recognized through the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, including Sandy Ground Historical Society as the official Louis Napoleon Site.

Today, as we honor America's 250th Birthday, we also honor the generations whose perseverance helped expand the promise of freedom for future generations.

America's history is told through many places.

Sandy Ground is one of them.

Happy Independence Day from the Sandy Ground Historical Society.

07/02/2026

Why Does Preservation Matter Today?

On February 25, 2022, the New York City Department of Transportation honored the legacy of Sandy Ground through the commissioning of the New York City Sandy Ground Ferry, naming the vessel after the Sandy Ground community.

Every day, the Sandy Ground Ferry carries thousands of passengers while serving as a visible reminder that Sandy Ground's history is not only part of the past—it remains an important part of American history, and its legacy will continue to travel New York's waterways for generations to come.

Sandy Ground is the oldest free Black settlement in the nation with descendants still living there today. Its history is rooted in land ownership, farming, faith, family, education, resilience, self-determination, and community building. As the community grew, maritime families joined and added to its strength, contributing to the rich history connected to the waters surrounding Staten Island.

Preservation is not passive.

It requires ongoing stewardship, public education, research, community support, and care to ensure that Sandy Ground's history, historical records, artifacts, places, and memories are protected for future generations.

When you support the Sandy Ground Historical Society, you help preserve a living legacy that continues to educate the public, inspire future generations, and demonstrate what communities can accomplish through vision, perseverance, stewardship, and community.

Because history is not only something we inherit.

It is something we choose to protect.

06/30/2026

The Sandy Ground Historical Society is honored to receive the 2026 Historic Districts Council Grassroots Preservation Award.

This recognition celebrates SGHS's longstanding commitment to preserving, researching, protecting, and educating the public about the history of Sandy Ground—the oldest free Black settlement in the nation with descendants still living there today.

Accepting the award on behalf of SGHS, Board President Julie Moody Lewis reflected on the importance of preserving history accurately.

"We are living in a very exciting time because history is being uncovered and delivered unfiltered” … "now we have a history that is being brought to us that is accurate, and the history is being shared by the people who lived it, not by those who interpreted how they lived it."

Those words reflect the mission of The Sandy Ground Historical Society and our commitment to preserving authentic American history for future generations.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Historic Districts Council, our preservation partners, descendants, volunteers, researchers, educators, and supporters who continue to help preserve Sandy Ground's history. We also what to thank and credit Andrew Lee for the photos.

Preservation is not passive.

It is stewardship.

It is responsibility.

06/28/2026

The Sandy Ground Historical Society was proud to participate in the 36th Annual Montclair African-American Heritage Parade & Festival, whose 2026 theme was Paying Tribute to African Americans in Aviation.

From the parade through Montclair to the festival at Nishuane Park, the day provided a wonderful opportunity to educate the public about Sandy Ground's history while connecting with families, community organizations, and visitors.

Representing Sandy Ground Historical Society were Board Member Idris Ojelade and SGHS Youth volunteers Julianna Ojelade-Ortiz, Sky Bascom, Anylia Bascom, who welcomed visitors throughout the day. Many attendees stopped by the SGHS booth to learn about Sandy Ground's history, ask questions, and receive complimentary educational materials, including books highlighting the community's history and legacy.

Idris Ojelade represented SGHS by educating visitors about Sandy Ground's history and highlighting the contributions of Mr. Providence, a Tuskegee Airman from Staten Island, demonstrating the broader connections between Staten Island's African-American history and the work of SGHS.

Our booth featured educational materials, historic quilts, and free books, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about this important American history.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation, Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville, the Montclair Firefighters Foundation, a special thank you to Jamena Grant, and everyone who helped make this outstanding event possible.

Every educational conversation, every book shared, and every new connection helps carry Sandy Ground's history forward.

06/27/2026

The Sandy Ground Historical Society was honored to participate in the Past, Present and Futures of Staten Island Oysters program hosted by the Billion Oyster Project at Robinsons Beach.

Julie Moody Lewis, President of The Sandy Ground Historical Society, helped educate participants about Sandy Ground's history and how free Black families used land ownership, farming, environmental knowledge, hard work, and community networks to create pathways toward freedom, opportunity, stability, and generational wealth.

Participants explored how vision, perseverance, and stewardship helped transform opportunity into lasting institutions, family legacies, and a community that continues nearly 200 years later.

Sandy Ground is the oldest free Black settlement in the nation with descendants still living there today. Its history is rooted in land ownership, farming, faith, family, education, community building, and self-determination. As the community grew, maritime families joined and added to its strength, helping shape the rich history and legacy that continue today.

SGHS was represented by Julie Moody Lewis, Robina Taliaferrow, and Julianna Ojelade-Ortiz, SGHS youth volunteer.

Thank you to the Billion Oyster Project, Bee University NYC, and everyone who helped make this meaningful educational experience possible.

A special thank you to Tanasia Swift of the Billion Oyster Project for inviting The Sandy Ground Historical Society to participate and helping create this opportunity to educate the public about Sandy Ground's history.

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

Welcome, we are the Sandy Ground Historical Society.

Here are a couple of things you should know about Sandy Ground Staten Island, New York:

Sandy Ground is the oldest free black settlement in the nation, with descendants still living there.

• We were founded by Moses and Silas Harris in 1828

• We served as a station on the Underground Railroad and are officially listed as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom as the official Louis Napoleon site.

• We are located on the southwest side of Staten Island, New York

Come visit us and get a glimpse of who we are and our history.

06/19/2026

In celebration of Juneteenth, we honor Moses Harris and Silas Harris, free Black men who understood the power of land ownership, self-determination, and community building.

In 1828, they helped establish the farming community of Harrisville, later known as Africa, Little Africa, and eventually Sandy Ground, a community that would become the oldest continuously inhabited free Black community in the United States.
Their vision was rooted in family, faith, opportunity, and ownership. Their legacy continues to inspire us today.

As we reflect on Juneteenth, we remember that freedom was not only about emancipation. It was also about building communities, creating opportunities, preserving culture, and investing in future generations.
Today we proudly share this banner honoring the founders whose vision helped shape the history of Sandy Ground.

"When you stand on this land, you are standing on the dreams, sacrifices, and determination of people who believed in building a future for generations they would never meet."
Julie Moody Lewis

06/16/2026

Learning beyond the classroom.

Students from Harborview Elementary spent the day exploring marine life, coastal restoration, and environmental stewardship along Staten Island's shoreline.

From discovering crabs and shrimp to learning how Living Breakwaters help protect coastal communities, students experienced science through hands-on exploration.

The American Museum of Natural History also documented the experience.

Because some of the best classrooms are found right at the water's edge.