Circle of Hope

Circle of Hope

Rochester's Underground Railroad Freedom Trail

This itinerary showcases the life and times of three historical figures who settled in western New York during the 19^th century: Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony.  Collectively, they created an amazing mosaic in American History.  Not only were they recognized nationally for their abolitionist  activities, but also for their outstanding contribution to achieving peace, freedom and equality in this country.

Our tour visits the homesteads, museums and gravesites of Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.  We explore their roots of history in Rochester and their involvement with the Underground Railroad.  A talented cast of re-enactors bring these and other brave supporters, native to the area, to life with compelling accounts of historical incidents which allowed hundreds of fugitive people to pass through Rochester on-route to Canada and freedom. 

Customized tours are available.

Day One

Rochester- "Riverstroll Tour"

9:00 AM- Travel trails trod by footsore freedom-seekers and those who aided them.  Walk to sites in downtown Rochester where the Erie Canal sometimes ferried runaways to the building in which Douglass published the North Star.  Envision escapes slipping aboard the freedom ferries piloted by Canadian and American abolitionist captains.

Vivid reenactments highlight the lives of master agent and orator, Frederick Douglass, and courageous Harriet A. Jacobs.  Hear the one called Moses thank Frederick and Anna Douglass for shelter given the fugitives she smuggled into their home.  Let reenactors introduce you to Austin Steward who was "twenty-two years a slave and more than forty a freeman."

11:00 AM- Near the site of Frederick Douglass's last Rochester home, circle the powerful bronzed likeness of Douglass, the first public statue erected to honor an African American.  At his gravesite in nearby Mt. Hope Cemetery, and in the African libation tradition, pay homage to Douglass and his immediate family members. Now it is off to a "soul food" lunch at "Unk'l Moe's Restaurant.

2:00 PM- Pass by the original site of the Memorial AME Zion Church, the church home of Thomas James and Frederick Douglass.  Examine Dave Richardson's barn, a safe place, east of Rochester on the Underground Railroad to Freedom.

2:45PM- See the Warrant Homestead where fugitives made their way to the attic for a well needed rest.  Arrive at Kelsey's Landing, one of the last stops on the Freedom Trail in Rochester.  Hear the story Frederick Douglass told of bringing fugitives to this spot before they boarded a Canadian ferry on their way to freedom. 

Return to your hotel for a bit of R & R before dinner.

6:00PM - Enjoy dinner & beautiful scenery while cruising on the peaceful Erie Canal.  Listen to stories of how many fugitive slaves navigated along the banks of the canal to reach  freedom in Canada. 

Day Two

Auburn, Seneca Falls - "Freedom Trail East Tour"

9:00AM - 5PM- Runaways traveled east through Syracuse, or north from Elmira.  Stories abound along Central New York's Underground Railroad.  We'll take you to the Harriet Tubman Homestead and gravesite in Auburn, NY and to the home of Harriet's friend and benefactor, William Seward, Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln.  The Seward home was a "safe house" frequently visited by fugitives.  You can extend your journey with an optional tour of the Women's Rights National Park and Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY.

7:00PM- Dinner at Beale Street Café offering authentic Cajun Cuisine or take in Dinner/Theatre "Freedom Under the Stars" at Rochester Museum & Science Center .

Day Three

Rochester

9:30-11:30AM- Tour the Susan B. Anthony House and Museum a National Historic Landmark.  Newly restored, this museum Miss Anthony stood shoulder to shoulder with Douglass and Tubman in the struggle to obtain equal rights for all.  Stand in the parlor where Miss Anthony was arrested for voting in 1872 and where Douglass and other leaders of the human right movement often met. 

Lunch  - Park Avenue or Village Gate Square or Rochester Museum and Science Center

1:30PM- Visit the new "Flight to Freedom" exhibit at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.  Explore the dramatic stories of Rochester's role in the Underground Railroad in this new interactive exhibit.  Visitors will encounter multiple points of view, from freedom seekers and abolitionists to slavery apologists.  Afterwards shop at the unique Mood Makers Books in nearby Village Square where you will find items related to the tour's theme.