The Ex-Slave’s Fortune: the Story of Cynthia Hesdra

Cynthia D. Hesdra was born a slave in Tappan in 1808 to John and Jane Moore. She became an entrepreneur and abolitionist. During her lifetime, she operated a successful laundry business and owned a number of properties in New York and in New Jersey. At the time of her death in 1879, she was worth about $100,000. She was a millionaire by today's standards! Her husband, Edward, and many of her relatives, fought over her assets. The extensive court battle was precedent setting from a legal standpoint and was one of the most celebrated cases of the time. In 2015, Cynthia Hesdra was honored by the Toni Morrison Society with a Bench by the Road at Memorial Park in Nyack. Join Dr. Lori Martin, who was born and raised in Nyack, as she leads a discussion about the life and times of Cynthia D. Hesdra. Space is limited -- free copies of the book are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: This is a virtual program. Information on how to join the event will be sent to you once you complete your registration form. You will also receive a reminder email the day before the program with the Zoom link - do not delete this email! If you do not see a confirmation email in your inbox, please check your spam folder.