On June 8th, at 2 pm, local documentarian Jon Scott Bennett will return to the Field Library to debut Episode 2 of The Peekskill Riots entitled “The Friendly Town by the River”. Episode 1 ,“The Peekskill Riots: “The Mighty Oak in the Forest” premiered to a crowd three months ago.

The Peekskill Riots were not an isolated case of violence in the Hudson Valley. They are part of a long history of racism and anti-semitism in the Peekskill area. The influence of the Ku Klux Klan on Peekskill in the early 20th century shaped the region for decades, striking terror into the hearts of African Americans, Catholics, and Jewish people. At its peak, the rallies  had an attendance reaching 25,000. Although the KKK eventually faded away, the culture of hatred that had permitted its growth was still very much alive beneath the surface.

Yet Peekskill was also home to a progressive movement of summer colonies, scattered throughout the region. Made up predominantly of working-class Jewish families and influenced by a diverse assortment of leftist ideologies, their goals were to create small-scale, utopian communities in the countryside of the Hudson Valley. Their presence was considered a threat to the conservative culture of Peekskill. These tensions would only worsen as the political climate in America turned against progressive ideologies and their adherents, such as Paul Robeson. 

To understand Peekskill during the Riots, we must first understand the forgotten past of the “Friendly Town” by the River.

Episode Two, can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube and via JonScottBennett.com. But if you want the chance to meet Jon Scott Bennett in person, hear from the documentarian himself and ask questions, then head on over to the Field Library this Saturday, June 8, at 2:00 pm. The event is free, but due to the large turnout at the last premiere, registration is required.To reserve a seat, register here. 

For more information contact Sarah Scott, local history librarian, with any questions at [email protected] or (914) 737-4390.

To read more or  view “The Peekskill Riots” Episode 1: “The Might Oak in the Forest” click here.

Documentarian Jon Scott Bennett has gained recognition for his previous films focusing on local history, including The Pound Ridge Massacre and The Leatherman: An American Vagabond. Jon, who recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in history, shares his passion for research and storytelling through documentary film.

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