In the 19th century, thousands of slaves escaped to free states and to Canada using a network of secret routes and safe houses. More than 800 fugitive slaves passed through Elmira, a major stop along the Underground Railroad.

Crystal Sarakas leads a discussion about  this part of our local history and about the lasting impact of the Underground Railroad on our society, and why history matters today.

Suggested reading:

Underground Railroad Tales; With Routes through the Finger Lakes Region by Emerson Klees; illustrated by Dru Wheelin, 1997 Friends of the Finger Lakes Publishing, P.O. Box 18131 Rochester, NY  14618