Those Who Served: The Enslaved and Paid Servants of Clermont

Over the course of more than 200 years, hundreds of people worked at Clermont to keep the Livingston family comfortable. For nearly a century, the mansion was run by a mostly enslaved staff. By the 1830s, this staff was completely replaced by paid labor. Though many of their stories were lost, recent research has revealed new details about those who worked for the Livingston family. From Old Cole, a black man enslaved by Chancellor Livingston, to Shige Toshio, a Japanese immigrant who served as the Livingston’s butler, to Ollie and Christopher Meyer, two young people from different continents who found love in Clermont’s kitchen, join us as we uncover some of the stories of those who served. The tour also delves into the realities of enslavement, immigration, and employment across three centuries. Please note: This tour begins in our Visitor Center; you must pay for your tour tickets at the ticketing desk. Reservations are not required but appreciated.