In 1799, New York's state legislature voted to end slavery, but to do this in a gradual way. Because people who were born in 1799 would not be freed until they were 25 (women) or 28 (men) years old, 1827 came to be regarded as the year of Emancipation in New York City.

Due to the complicated laws regarding emancipation in the state, 1841 is now generally regarded as the last year that any New Yorker was legally enslaved.

Although not much is known about this 19th-century poster, based on the date and location it could very well be an invitation to a New York City Emancipation Day celebration circa 1827.