This article originally appeared in an Oneida County History Center press release.
OCHC seeks your help to replace a vandalized historic marker!
A historic roadside marker commemorating the Florence Farming Association (1845-1860), a community where free Blacks could own land and farm, was installed and dedicated in 2017 on Florence Hill Road in Oneida County. The application was written by Camden High School Social Studies Teacher Jessica Harney and submitted by Oneida County History Center. Harney’s students have participated in research and fieldwork associated with the site on several occasions through their study of public history. Sadly, the sign was vandalized or stolen in January 2022.
The total cost of a new sign is $1550. The William G. Pomeroy Foundation has generously offered to pay for half. The History Center seeks to raise $775 to replace this marker that represents an important piece of Oneida County history. Please consider supporting this effort as we approach National Historic Marker Day on April 28. Donations can be made through the History Center e-Bookstore or by mail.
How to donate:
Visit our e-Bookstore at https://oneidacountyhistory.square.site/donate and select the Historic Marker Fund, Florence Farming Association under the Donate tab OR Mail your check made payable to Oneida County History Center and note Florence Farming Association in the memo (this is important) and mail to:
Oneida County History Center
Attn: FFA Historic Marker Fund
1608 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13502
More information: https://www.oneidacountyhistory.org/news.html
