In 1846 New York State enacted a law requiring African American men to own $250 worth of property to vote. To circumvent this unjust law, radical abolitionist Gerrit Smith gave away 120,000 acres of land in Essex and Franklin Counties to 3,000 free Black men, thereby qualifying them to vote. Searching for Timbuctoo tells the history of this forgotten settlement and New York State on the brink of civil war and follows an archaeology team looking to unearth evidence of the community. 

Join us for a screening of the film, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Paul Miller. The NYS Museum’s new exhibition feature on Timbuctoo, located in Adirondack Hall, will officially open this evening. This is an in-person program only. Masks are not required but highly recommended for visitors and non-staff.    

Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit is available to educators who attend this program. The New York State Museum is an approved provider of CTLE. If interested in attending and receiving a certificate of attendance, educators can register by sending their name and contact information to James Jenkins at nysmeducation@nysed.gov.

View trailer at http://www.timbuctoofilm.com/.