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Sojourner Truth statue to be loaned to Newburgh Free Library from SUNY New Paltz in April
Summary
The committee approved terms to accept a loaned Sojourner Truth statue from SUNY New Paltz for display in April through October; staff contacted descendant Barbara Allen and the statue (about 600 pounds) will require secure bolting and associated site preparations.
The Newburgh Free Library committee was told that Suny New Paltz will loan a statue of Sojourner Truth to the library for display in April, likely arriving between April 8 and April 11 and staying through October. Presenter Ben Gawker said the library has an artwork license agreement with SUNY New Paltz and that district legal counsel reviewed the agreement with no substantive changes.
Gawker said staff have contacted Barbara Allen, identified in the meeting as the only living descendant mentioned in the loan paperwork; Allen lives in Michigan and has written a children's book. Gawker said the descendant may be able to attend opening ceremonies. He described logistical preparations: the statue will be placed on the plaza similar to the library's Harriet Tubman statue and "it weighs 600 pounds," so staff will need to coordinate site preparation and bolting.
Board members welcomed the loan and noted the contract appeared favorable to the library (no cost beyond site preparation) and advised staff to consult buildings-and-grounds to ensure a secure location. Gawker said he would follow up with facilities staff and report progress to the committee.
Why it matters: The loan creates an opportunity for public programs and community engagement around Sojourner Truth's legacy; it requires logistical planning and coordination with facilities and legal staff ahead of the April installation.
