Revisit the Underground Railroad in Honor of Black History Month
Learn about an important piece of local history by exploring New York’s Underground Railroad in three virtual presentations: Revising the Underground Railroad, John Brown and Radical Empathy, and John W. Jones: Unsung American Hero.
The Underground Railroad, often remembered as being characterized by tunnels, dark of night escapes, coded language, and hidey-holes, was far more extensive and complex than most people realize. In the midst of significant pro-slavery sentiment, New York State was home to many abolitionists working to abolish the institution of enslavement in our state and nation and it was visited by many who had escaped enslavement and sought a life of freedom.
Join us online to experience new interpretations of a very old story.
You can also access discounted tickets to tour the Harriet and Stephen Myers House, a historical Underground Railroad site in Albany, NY.
1. John Brown and Radical Empathy Webinar
Register: https://events.aarp.org/ezo3vo?locale=en
Join AARP New York, John Brown Lives! and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for the virtual program John Brown and Radical Empathy. Explore the life and legacy of abolitionist John Brown, his belief in human equality and his commitment to ending slavery. The program will review his ties to the Underground Railroad, the Kansas wars, the Harper’s Ferry Raid and current activities at the John Brown Farm.
2. Revisiting the Underground Railroad Webinar
Register: https://events.aarp.org/mQenvZ?locale=en
Join Paul & Mary Liz Stewart, co-founders of Underground Railroad Education Center, for a virtual presentation that will include the various initiatives that connect the public with this empowering local history and its relevance for us today.
3. Harriet and Stephen Myers House Tour Discount
Learn More: https://events.aarp.org/84Akv0?locale=en
Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence
194 Livingston Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
AARP members and guests can enjoy a 25% discount on tickets. To access this offer, call 518-621-7793 and use code SAVE25.
4. John W. Jones: Unsung American Hero Webinar
Register: https://events.aarp.org/g8ll9V?locale=en
Join Talima Aaron for a presentation on the life and legacy of John W. Jones. Jones escaped slavery and was Elmira’s station master of the Underground Railroad for 9 years. During the Civil War, he was responsible for the compassionate burial of 2973 confederate soldiers who died in the Elmira Prison Camp. The records he kept resulted in the confederate burial ground becoming designated a National Cemetery.
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