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Author Davida Siwisa James joins us from Los Angeles for a reading and signing of her newly released historical nonfiction book “Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill” (Fordham University Press). The author is a former Sugar Hill resident and brings to compelling literary life the unique residents and dwelling places of this West Harlem neighborhood, bordering Washington Heights, that stands at the heart of the country’s founding. In a meticulously researched 400-year history of New York and Harlem, one discovers the neighborhood where Alexander Hamilton built his country home, a young Norman Rockwell discovered he liked to draw, Ralph Ellison wrote Invisible Man, and where Duke Ellington and Thurgood Marshall called home. By telling the history of its vibrant people and the beautiful architecture of this lovely, well-maintained historic landmark district, the author shows a side of Harlem that is often overlooked – its majesty. The book touches upon The Great Migration, the legendary Harlem Renaissance gatherings, provides incredible detail about the history of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, as well as the stunning architecture and many luminaries who called it home.We learn of the long-lost history of the Hamilton family home, the Grange, in the aftermath of Alexander Hamilton’s death to its current federal landmark status. Follow the building boom from 1885 to 1930 that made it a historic and architecturally unique neighborhood.
Through words and pictures, Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill traces the transition of this picturesque section of Harlem from lush farmland in the early 1600s to its urban growth highlighted by stunning architecture, Harlem Renaissance gatherings, the development of its arts institutions, and the gothic spires and renown of City College.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Harriet's Bookshop, 238 E. Girard Avenue, Phila., PA 19125, 258 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125-3945, United States,Philadelphia, Pennsylvania