Brooklyn Historical Society Partners With Local College on Jackie Robinson Exhibit

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in professional baseball, a moment that sent shockwaves through the country, and world. The Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) has partnered with National Grid and St. Francis College on its upcoming exhibit to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Robinson's moment — his debut on the baseball field for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

The BHS will open a year-long art exhibit on April 5 called "Until Everyone Has it Made: Jackie Robinson's Legacy," which will display a handful of archival materials, photographs, programs and memorabilia from Robinson's time. Among the many objects on view will be the famous Dodgers' 1955 World Series Championship banner.

At noon on opening day, sports historian Joseph Dorinson will deliver a public lecture on Robinson’s contribution to American history at St. Francis College. And from April 3 until April 14, National Grid will host a pop-up exhibition that will tell the story of Robinson’s life.

Freshmen at St. Francis College who enrolled in a class that studies protest examined artifacts at BHS's library and created a brochure that will be passed out at the lecture and exhibitions. BHS educators will also offer on-site groups of St. Francis students a special exhibition-based program that uses Robinson’s life as a springboard to discuss segregation, social justice and protest.

"By engaging students of all ages in this celebration, we are able to impart the importance of Robinson’s role in shaping American history to a new generation," said Deborah Schwartz, President of BHS.

"Jackie Robinson’s commitment to Brooklyn – and his perseverance and courage – paved a way into the history of baseball and the civil rights movement,” said Ken Daly, president of National Grid New York. "On a personal note, Jackie Robinson was a hero to my Dad who has special memories of being a Dodgers fan as a child and I am now privileged to share Jackie’s lessons with my own four children."

"By integrating America's national pastime in 1947, Jackie Robinson paved the way for the decades of major civil rights victories that followed,” said Sara Rzeszutek Haviland, a history professor at St. Francis. "As a college that embraces diversity and inclusion, St. Francis is excited to participate in this community partnership to honor Robinson's life and legacy."

Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball; he played for the Dodgers starting on April 15, 1947 and played in six World Series in the 50s. He was Rookie of the Year in 1947 and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. He also won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949, the first black player to be honored with that award.

The BHS exhibit is set to open on April 5, 70 years after Robinson was first assigned to play for the Dodgers. Find out more information here. The Brooklyn Historical Society is located at 128 Pierrepont St. in Brooklyn Heights.

Photo via Bob Sandberg/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain