Knowledge Friday With Donnamarie Barnes

The next in the Knowledge Friday series at The Church will be on November 4 at 6 p.m. and features photographer and Sag Harbor native Donnamarie Barnes. A resident of Ninevah Beach in the SANS Community of Sag Harbor, Barnes grew up photographing the historic community and beach landscape. Barnes is the Director of History & Heritage at Sylvester Manor. Her work includes researching the lives of the enslaved, free people of color and Indigenous people of Sylvester Manor and the East End interpreting their stories into the manor’s narrative.

Her archival work encompasses the organization’s mission to preserve, cultivate and share the stories of all the people of Sylvester Manor. With over 30 years’ experience as a photo editor for major publications, Barnes continues to practice photography in her daily life. During her lecture, Barnes will present slides of her photo work and speak on her life in Sag Harbor, highlighting how the village has inspired and influenced both her creative life and her life in general. The Church co-founder April Gornik will interview Barnes on how Sag Harbor has evolved over the years, her current work at Sylvester Manor, and her career as a photographer.

Donnamarie Barnes began working at Sylvester Manor in 2014 as a volunteer history docent and joined the staff in 2016 as curator and archivist. Her ongoing work includes researching the lives and identities of the enslaved, free people of color and Indigenous people of Sylvester Manor and the East End of Long Island and interpreting their stories into the manor’s narrative. This work is an integral part of the organization’s mission to preserve, cultivate and share the stories of all the people of Sylvester Manor. Barnes worked for over 30 years as a photo editor for People Magazine and at the Gamma Liaison photo news agency. She holds a BFA degree from the Cooper Union School of Art.

Tickets to Donnamarie Barnes Knowledge Friday talk are $15. The Church is at 48 Madison Street, Sag Harbor. For more information visit thechurchsagharbor.org.