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History. Culture.
Education. Healing.

Preserving the Black experience in the Hudson Valley.

Our Goal, Vision & Commitment

Donate, Volunteer

A home for history

The Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for Black History and Culture (MWLC) at the historic Ann Oliver House preserves the Black experience in the Hudson Valley using the lens of free and enslaved lives in Ulster County, New York. The mission of the center is to engage, empower, educate, and heal the community through history and culture.

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Latest News

Upcoming Events

  • Oct 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – Oct 09, 2026, 11:59 PM
    Online only
    We are excited to announce our fundraising efforts for the renovation of a historic house in New Paltz into a cultural center focused on black history. This project will provide a space for education, celebration, and community empowerment.
  • Dec 28, 2024, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Redeemer Lutheran Church, 90 NY-32, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
    Join us for the 4th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration hosted by MWLC! Enjoy delicious food, lively music, and uplifting performances that honor our African heritage and community unity. Tickets are $10.00 per person. Children under 13 are free. No one will be turned away at the door.
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Built for community

A two story, 1232 sqaure foot frame house built in 1885, The Ann Oliver house is cultural artifact of Black history in New Paltz and the only house from the historic free Black neighborhood that will be preserved and owned by the Black community.

Our Mission

Many hands make light work

We believe that it is important to remember and honor the lives of the people who helped to shape our community. By preserving the history of the Black experience in the Hudson Valley, we hope to promote greater understanding and appreciation of the contributions that Black people have made to our society.

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“Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.”

 Coretta Scott King

It takes a village

Our network of incredible community partners help us realize the dream of restoring the historic Anne Oliver House and offering educational programming.

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“I'm filled mostly with a sense of pride & peace because of the rich Black History that has occupied this landscape called New Paltz for more than a century. I'm looking forward to seeing the Historic Oliver House becoming the home to the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Black Cultural Center...”

Diana Francis, Resident

We need your support today!

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