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WNY's 'Underground Railroad' history remembered at Heritage Center

Posted at 12:07 PM, May 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-02 14:42:35-04

A one-million dollar project to help preserve the role of the Underground Railroad in Western New York opens Friday in Niagara Falls.

The Underground Railroad was a network of people and places that helped slaves find freedom during the years leading up to, and through the U.S. Civil War. Niagara Falls was the destination for many of those looking to escape slavery.

"Tourists view the falls one way," Ally Sponger, the director of the Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls, said. "They went on vacation and had their photo taken, and freedom seekers came to the falls, and for them, it meant they were only a few steps to freedom."

The exhibit has an interactive replica of the Heritage House and a suspension bridge replica used as part of the network.

The Heritage Center opens to the public on Friday, May 4th. On Sunday, May 6th, the museum is offering free admission.

 

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