JAMESTOWN, NY — On June 15 and 16, 2011, the Jackson Center was honored to present its annual screening of "Follow the North Star" to area third and fourth grade students in its Carl Cappa Theater. An Emmy award-winning film about the Underground Railroad which tells a timeless story of tolerance and friendship, the movie was accompanied by a ... Read More

Eber Pettit’s 1868 photo was recently found in a mysterious album at the Fredonia Baptist Church. Pettit was a conductor on the Underground Railroad. In 1881, he dedicated a stained glass window at the church to his wife and daughter, who were also pictured in the photo album. The mystery of the album begins with a tiny receipt from 1818, and ... Read More

Harrison Williams, an escaped slave staying in Busti, was captured by slave bounty hunters disguised as women. Years later, during the Civil War, Williams was seen in the company of the Union Army after the Confederate troops that brought him along had been defeated. (Photo by Stephen Stoklosa) The Fenton History Museum added a new extension to ... Read More

  Sally Tatnall (L) and Joan Southgate on Route 5 in Dunkirk. The two are walking from Canada to Cleveland to raise awareness about the Underground Railroad and Southgate’s organization, “Restore Cleveland Hope.” (Photo by Jason Sample) If you’re driving down Route 5 between Dunkirk and Ripley ... Read More

Chautauqua County was heavily involved with the Underground Railroad during the mid-19th century, due largely to its proximity to Canada. And while much has been written regarding the local individuals who assisted runaway slaves in their efforts to reach freedom, no Underground Railroad exhibit or museum currently exists in the area.  ... Read More

The Minerva Free Library in Sherman, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. (Photo by Jason Sample) Every week the Chautauqua Star & Bulletin Board takes you to a different community in Chautauqua County and tells you a little bit about its history. This week, local historian John Siggins takes us to Sherman. First Settlers ... Read More