Rare glimpse offered of native American enslavement

GOSHEN — Ray Decker discovered a 1720 deed and memorandum on the sale of the Crommelin Plantation that listed all the chattels included in the sale — including three slaves, two of them native Americans. Decker is a renowned author, avocational archeologist, explorer, historian and winner of the Meritorious Service Award from the New York State Archaeological Association. The document he found is believed to be the only extant record of the enslavement of native Americans in Orange County. Clifton Patrick, the Chester Town Historian, and Ginny Privitar, reporter for The Chronicle, will discuss Decker’s research paper on Indian enslavement at the next "Lunch and Learn" lecture series at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen. A buffet lunch with beverages and dessert will be available. If you go What: Talk on native American slavery in Orange County When: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13 Where: Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, 240 Main St., Goshen How much: $18 museum members, $20 non-members RSVP: Call 294-6330 by Feb. 10 Web site: www.harnessmuseum.com