Greenwich is preparing to honor the legacy of Black history as Dr. Frank Mitchell, the esteemed Committee Chair of CT Humanities, partners with the Greenwich Historical Society for a remarkable presentation titled “Service and Celebration.” This lecture marks the celebration of Black History Month and aligns with the festivities around the 250th anniversary of America. Scheduled for Saturday, February 28, from 2 to 3:15 PM, the event will delve into the essential roles of Black domestic laborers and their culinary traditions that profoundly shaped spaces like the Holley House in Cos Cob.
Domestic servants. Photo courtesy Greenwich Historical Society
Bush-Holley House dining room. Photo courtesy Greenwich Historical Society
This lecture is part of the Greenwich Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Series, which focuses on the diverse individuals who frequented the Holley House, a cultural nexus in Cos Cob. Just 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, this area transformed into a melting pot of creativity and ideas. The stories shared during this lecture will highlight the significant historical presence of individuals who contributed to a vibrant cultural tapestry in early 20th-century America.
Among the notable figures discussed will be Louisa Brooks and Lucy Davis, contract employees who arrived at the Holley boarding house via the New York Colored Mission’s employment program. Utilizing a rich mix of images, recipes, oral histories, and literature, Dr. Mitchell will dive into the lives of those who worked in the hospitality and service sectors, examining the lodging experiences and cultural contributions of the Black community in early New York City.
Carol Cadou, the Executive Director and CEO of the Historical Society, articulates the significance of this event, stating, “It is a privilege to have Dr. Mitchell at the Historical Society to share compelling stories about the Black women heading to New York in the early 20th century, where they rented rooms, found space in boarding houses, and earned their first wages working in kitchen or parlors. Integral to our mission is sharing these fuller histories with a broader audience.”
This series enriches the Historical Society’s ongoing exhibition titled “The Holley Boarding House: Inspiring American Impressionism.” The exhibition, honoring America’s 250th anniversary, invites attendees to explore the vibrant history associated with the Holley House through March 8, 2026. Additionally, prior to the lecture, the Historical Society offers a special curator-led tour of the exhibition at 12:30 PM and 1:15 PM. This tour requires an additional fee, available as a bundle with the lecture ticket.
For more details, interested individuals can click here.
Located at 47 Strickland Road in Cos Cob, the Greenwich Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of the Greenwich community since its founding in 1931. The circa 1730 National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House has witnessed pivotal historic moments, including slavery and the American Revolution. Furthermore, it played a crucial role in Connecticut’s first American Impressionist art colony between 1890 and 1920. The Society’s campus also includes a nationally accredited museum, archives, a museum store, café, and a community education center.
Greenwich Historical Society actively educates thousands of school children each year and engages visitors with the history of this globally influential community through various exhibitions, lectures, and events. The Society receives no funding from the town and relies on donations and grants to sustain its educational and preservation initiatives. To learn more about their mission and offerings, visit greenwichhistory.org.
Frank Mitchell’s expertise is well-grounded; he serves not only as the Committee Chair of CT Humanities but also as a dedicated cultural organizer within the fields of visual arts and public humanities. Mitchell has held important curatorial roles, including his advisory position with The Amistad Center for Art & Culture and his involvement in various exhibitions that celebrate Black history and American culture. His academic credentials include a Doctorate in American Culture from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in African American Studies from Yale University, showcasing a lifetime commitment to the arts and humanities.
