“Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad” At Museum of City of New York

Untapped Cities is excited to co-sponsor the Museum of the City of New York discussion of the new book, Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad by historians Eric Foner and Martha Hodes. On September 30th, join these leading experts as they bring to life New York City’s little-known role within the underground railroad system between 1830 and 1860. As discussed previously in coverage of known Underground Railroad stops in New York City, New York had a community of progressive citizens who helped fugitive slaves escape, and whose network of safe houses stretched throughout the city.

Recently, the documents of one of these citizens, Sydney Howard Gay, were unearthed, revealing his work with black associates in his office – a secret “station” for fugitive slaves. Foner and Hodes will discuss the new historical scholarship that has changed our understanding of the Civil War era and New York City’s complex place in that history. Foner is currently a professor at Columbia University and a leading historian on the post-Civil War Reconstruction period. Hodes is also a professor of history at New York University where she specializes in race, the Civil War, and the nineteenth century United States.

The event will take place at the Museum of City of New York on September 30th. For a discount, use the promo code MCBCI for $10 tickets (normally $16). We look forward to seeing you there!

Next, read more about the history of New York City’s slave market here.