Hours of Operation

Tuesday - Saturday
11 am - 5 pm

Sunday
1 pm - 5 pm

Closed Monday

The museum is closed during most University holidays. Please call 716.286.8200 for further information.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Underground Railroad Interpretative Center of Greater Niagara Region
Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University

FREEDOM CROSSING

People escaping slavery came to the Niagara Frontier from many different parts of the United States, but all those seeking freedom in Canada were faced with the final obstacle of the Niagara River. The Underground Railroad, a secret network of people—both black and white—who assisted escapees by providing money, food, clothing, and temporary shelter, made this journey to freedom possible.

A TURNING POINT

Many men and women escaping slavery settled in New York State until the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850. This new federal law sanctioned the arrest and return of escaped slaves who had formerly been safe in “free states.” Canada now became an important final refuge. The Fugitive Slave Act had the opposite of its intended effect. Despite the new dangers, the Underground Railroad intensified its efforts to help escapees.

MICHIGAN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

A station on the Underground Railroad, it is the oldest property continuously owned, operated, and occupied by African-Americans in Western New York.

TRYON’S FOLLY

Josiah Tryon sheltered many freedom seekers in a house built by his brother Amos just outside the town of Lewiston, New York. The house became known as “Tryon’s Folly” after Amos’ wife refused to move into it.

The house perched atop the Niagara escarpment had a series of cellars leading down to the riverbank where fugitives were hidden until it was safe to cross over to Canada. Josiah and Amos Tryons’ tombstones can be viewed in the cemetery of Lewiston’s First Presbyterian Church.

THE SUSPENSION BRIDGES

The first suspension bridge to span the Niagara River between the cities of Niagara Falls in New York and Canada opened in 1848 and immediately became a nationally-known crossing point on the Underground Railroad.

A second bridge, now called the “Whirlpool” replaced the first in 1855. A technological wonder, the two-tiered bridge carried foot traffic and wagons on its lower level and trains above. Harriet Tubman crossed this bridge many times, escorting freedom seekers


Underground Railroad Interpretative Center of Greater Niagara Region
Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University
Lewiston, NY 14092
Phone: (716) 286-8200
Website: Click Here