House on a Hill
Nearly 300 years ago, Ten Broeck Mansion was the home of a decorated Revolutionary War general. Today, the house on Arbor Hill is a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the property, which includes telling the stories of enslaved persons who lived and worked there.
But there is a disconnect between the neighborhood of today and the historic site. Arbor Hill is a predominantly Black neighborhood, and one of Albany’s poorest. Many in the community either don’t know much about Ten Broeck, or view it as a shrine to a wealthy white family who owned enslaved persons.
On this episode of “The Eagle,” we talk to aspiring historian Dayonna Bowles, who has made it a mission to connect the community of Arbor Hill to Ten Broeck, and transform it into a place of positive community engagement and connection.
Also on this episode, a local mother lost her 11-year-old son to gun violence 18 months ago. This week, she died of a broken heart, some say. Deputy City Editor Lauren Stanforth talks to the family of LaToya Alston.
