Lower level, DiMenna Children's History Museum
Explore the life of Hercules Posey, the chef enslaved by George and Martha Washington, who, after 1797, was a free Black man living in New York City. This new installation in the DiMenna Children’s History Museum highlights Posey’s role as head chef in an 18th-century kitchen, examines the spices used to flavor Washington’s favorite drink, and delves into Posey’s everyday life in Philadelphia, when it was temporarily the nation’s capital.
Posey was a famous cook with sought-after dishes. In Washington’s presidential home, Posey managed a large kitchen staff and created menus filled with Washington’s favorite dishes and impressive spreads befitting the country’s first president. Posey was also known as a dandy, with his velvet collars, polished shoes, large watch chain and fob, and his gold-topped cane. In 1797—on Washington’s birthday—Hercules Posey self-emancipated and escaped to New York City, never to see the Washingtons or his own children again.
Historian Ramin Ganeshram was the scholar advisor for this installation. Her upcoming book on Posey is titled Stirring Liberty: How George Washington’s Enslaved Chef Transformed American Cuisine and Secretly Cooked His Way to Freedom.
Generously sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate
Exhibitions at The New York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Evelyn & Seymour Neuman Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.
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