Event Details

Curious about the role the Hudson River played in the Underground Railroad? Learn a little known aspect of local African American history at “River to Freedom! The Hudson River’s Role in the Underground Railroad”, a presentation with Cordell Reaves, NYS Office of Parks, Recreations and Historic Preservation. Reaves shares pictures and stories of former slaves who used the Hudson River to escape as well as everyday people in the Hudson Valley who assisted others in gaining their freedom. Fugitives from the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, Pennsylvania – as well as from the South – traveled through the lower New York State in big numbers. But how did they do it?

Reaves, an expert on the Underground Railroad, has worked for the past 10 years with historic sites across New York State to help them interpret and preserve this part of history. Most recently, he has been working on increasing tourism to New York using the story of the Underground Railroad.

$10 /$5 teachers, students, and seniors. More information: weekends@beczak.org / 914-377-1900 x13. Beczak Environmental Education Center, 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers. www.beczak.org