A Juneteenth Celebration: William James Knapp

The Sembrich in Bolton Landing presents an evening of music and Gilded Age history.

Williams James Knapp

The Sembrich celebrates Juneteenth by honoring William James Knapp (1843-1885)—a butler, musician, piano tuner, music store clerk, porter, nurse, brother, son, friend, and a member of Albany’s Black community. He was also a sometime ward of the Van Rensselaer family, a resident of historic Cherry Hill, and a descendant of a woman once enslaved there.

Throughout his life, James compiled a significant collection of sheet music, which included popular, classical, and parlor music from the Victorian Era.

Dr. Christopher Brellochs, music consultant to Historic Cherry Hill, will share the story of William James Knapp and convey a picture of the Capital Region during the Gilded Age, when Albany had a music store on almost every block.

LayVon Scott, baritone, and Dr. Elizabeth Gerbi, piano, will perform musical selections from Mr. Knapp's extensive personal collection of sheet music.

A lakeside reception will follow the event.

Please visit the Sembrich’s website for more information and to purchase tickets.

Photo Courtesy of The Sembrich

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