Statewide designation honors life and legacy of 19th century African American abolitionist and suffragist  

 Donations collected at the park and local businesses ahead of Thanksgiving holiday 

Following Governor Hochul’s official designation of November 26 as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) today announced that Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County will celebrate its first anniversary with a food drive and guided hike on Saturday, November 22, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Items for donation will be collected on behalf of the Kingston Community Action Food Pantry to support area residents the weekend before Thanksgiving. 

For anyone interested in donating non-perishable food items but unable to attend the event, collection bins will be available at the park from November 7 to November 22, 2025. The hike to the park’s Steep Rocks Overlook will be led by park staff and include remarks about Sojourner Truth. 

“Sojourner Truth State Park is a beacon of access, historical truth, and equity – and this hike and food drive inspired by the park’s trailblazing namesake offer a meaningful way to honor her legacy and serve the local community,” said New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser. “From the Steep Rocks Overlook where the hike will take place, participants can take in spectacular vistas of the Hudson Valley while learning about Sojourner Truth’s life and work, as well as the park’s unique environment and history.” 

Named by Governor Hochul in 2022 to honor of the life and legacy of 19th century African American abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth, the new park reclaims more than 500 acres of Hudson River shoreline land shared by the City of Kingston and the Town of Ulster and advances New York State’s commitment to Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act investments in disadvantaged communities. Last year, Governor Hochul signed legislation to establish November 26 as Sojourner Truth Day in the State of New York. 

Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird said “That Sojourner Truth Day and Thanksgiving fall so close together seems very appropriate. At a time of the year set aside for commemorating all we are grateful for, the story of Sojourner Truth and her quest for liberty, justice, and equality has great resonance. Our food drive and hike is intended to honor her life, support those in need within our community, and nurture a love of the outdoors at our spectacular new state park.” 

Executive Director of Kingston Community Action Food Pantry Douglas Blancero said, “A park represents so many things to so many people: a place to play, to celebrate and to learn.  Sojourner State Park is already establishing itself as a good neighbor as well. Especially during these times of need, we are excited and grateful for their offer of help to provide not just food for the soul, but food for the body. Thank you to New York State Parks and Palisades Interstate Park Commission for reaching out. This is a partnership that will only grow.” 

In addition to collecting non-perishable food at the park, Sojourner Truth State Park staff will also have collection bins at the following Kingston businesses from November 7 to November 22: 

Herzog's Home Center of Kingston 

151 Plaza Rd, Kingston, NY 12401 

Kingston Library 

61 Crown St, Kingston, NY 12401 

YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County 

507 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 

The Department of Things 

115 Abeel St, Kingston, NY 12401 

In July, Governor Hochul announced the groundbreaking for the buildout of major elements of Sojourner Truth State Park, including a new swimming facility and bathhouse pavilion. Funded in part by the Bond Act, other highlights slated to be completed by summer of 2026 include a new park entrance, entry road, trails and restrooms for visitors, and staff maintenance and administrative buildings.  

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.   

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) was formed in 1900 to protect the Palisades from destruction by stone and gravel quarries operating along the western banks of the Hudson River. As the nation’s first bi-state partnership established to protect and conserve natural lands, the Commission’s role expanded through the years to incorporate more parks and the creation of the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Today PIPC manages 30 parks and historic sites in New York and New Jersey spanning over 125,000 acres. The Commission’s maple and oak leaf logo represents the official state trees of New York and New Jersey.