The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
National Abolition Hall of Fame announces ‘Black History in Upstate NY’ program schedule
PETERBORO, N.Y. >> The National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) will host the “Black History in Upstate New York” program, with 11 days of content, beginning this August 16. The first week of presentations is listed below. Visit the NAHOF’S website for the full schedule when available.
The program is funded by the Kathryn W. Davis Projects for Peace fellowship, awarded to one Colgate University student each summer to facilitate a student-led project aiming to promote peace. This year’s program is created by graduate student Victoria Basulto.
The daily programs will be made up of bite-sized informational videos and longer presentations by scholars. Topics discussed will include historical figures and places that emphasize the crucial role Black Americans have played in the history of Upstate New York; and, specifically, the lesser-known individuals, events, and places in the area that were central to movements like abolitionism, civil rights, and women’s suffrage.
The program can be accessed online via the NAHOF website and Youtube channel, making Black History in Upstate New York accessible to a national audience.
Welcome to Black History in Upstate New York! (est. 5 minutes)
Victoria Basulto, Colgate University graduate and Summer 2021 Projects for Peace Fellow, will introduce the series and speak briefly on the history of Black Americans in Upstate New York. She will introduce movements like abolitionism, women’s suffrage, and civil rights, all of which will be central themes in the program. Basulto will also speak to how Black New Yorkers in Upstate shaped and championed these causes.
Introducing Harriet Tubman and Auburn, New York (est. 5 minutes)
In this introductory video, Basulto will overview Harriet Tubman’s life and the spaces she traversed before arriving in the finger lakes region of Upstate New York, where she would make her home for about 50 years of life.
Harriet Tubman’s Promised Land in Auburn, New York (est. 20 — 30 minutes)
Kate Clifford Larson, PH.D., is a bestselling author and an award-winning historian who has written various biographies on historical figures like Rosemary Kennedy, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Harriet Tubman. In this presentation, Dr. Larson will speak about Harriet Tubman and her time in Auburn, NY. Additionally, Dr. Larson will describe Tubman’s connec
The program can be accessed online via the NAHOF website and Youtube channel, making Black History in Upstate New York accessible to a national audience.
tion to the abolitionist Gerrit Smith and his family in Peterboro, NY.
Introducing John W. Jones and Elmira, New York (est. 5 minutes)
Basulto will provide an introduction to the life of John W. Jones, a self-emancipated man who helped hundreds of runaways fleeing slavery escape to freedom. Additionally, Jones’ story is remarkable given his role in the respectful burial of nearly 3,000 confederate soldiers. Basulto will also contextualize his story by emphasizing the role of Elmira, NY, in his life story.
Discovering John W. Jones (est. 20 — 30 minutes)
President of the John W. Jones Museum Board of Trustees, Talima Aaron, will discuss her journey to discover John W. Jones’ voice in the historical records. By walking us through some historical documents in which Jones’s voice and personality are present, she will provide further insight into Jones’ life. Additionally, Aaron will discuss the work of the John W. Jones Museum in preserving his legacy and give a brief tour of the museum.
Introducing David Ruggles (est. 5 minutes)
Basulto will introduce the abolitionist, African American rights activist, business owner, writer, publisher, and underground railroad conductor David Ruggles. She will provide information about his upbringing, his time in New York City, and how he connected with a network of abolitionists in Upstate New York.
David Ruggles and the Underground Railroad (est. 20 — 30 minutes)
Graham Hodges, PH.D., is the George Dorland Langdon Jr. Professor of History and Africana & Latin American Studies at Colgate University. His research specialties include Colonial and American revolutionary history, social history, labor and urban America, New York City history, and Asian American history. He has published several historical books. As a biographer of David Ruggles himself, Dr. Hodges will speak about Ruggles’ abolitionist work and connection to Upstate New York.