AboutTown

While traveling in Connecticut we (by chance) visited a museum featuring American Indian tribes. There on the wall with the photos of other honored elders from various tribes was a picture of someone I recognized. Roy Black Bear. Although I had not been in his museum, I had seen him at functions in the community. I hadn’t realized until that day the esteem in which he is held by others of his ethnic heritage. Roy Black Bear is a Mohawk.

His establishment on Route 9W became an instant destination, but to my disappointment, I found it closed for the winter.

I tracked Black Bear down in Florida for a phone interview and found the Trading Post would reopen early June at which time I’ll finally visit it and formally meet its owner. In the meantime, Black Bear filled me in on the Trading Post’s contents.

Inside the trim blue building on Route 9W, you’ll find ceremonial masks from several tribes, a Cherokee blowgun and darts used to hunt small game, Iroquois trade brooches, pottery, and items from a number of other tribes including the Delaware and Seneca.

Black Bear is a silversmith and the gift shop contains his work and that of others.

Trading Post hours
Thurs–Sat 10–5 and Sunday 1–5.
845-384-6786
1075 Broadway (9W) Esopus.