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Twin Tiers Living

Southern Tier's Role In Underground Railroad Explored In "North To Freedom"

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There’s an image that many of us have of the Underground Railroad: enslaved people fleeing at night, being hunted by slave catchers, heading northward through a series of tunnels and hidden rooms. And while those moments did exist, they have somewhat overshadowed what the Underground Railroad was really about: the people.

Filmmaker Brian Frey’s new documentary, North to Freedom, tells the more complicated and human story of the Underground Railroad. It’s also the story of the role that the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes played in helping enslaved people escape to a new - and free - life.

 

Read more about it here.

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since the church burned down, ive heard more and more about tunnels under the city related to the railroad, i do not recall in any of my schooling, ever being taught this fact. its a shame as besides the history of the city, theres likely archeologic value in exploring them, if any survive

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2 hours ago, Adam said:

since the church burned down, ive heard more and more about tunnels under the city related to the railroad, i do not recall in any of my schooling, ever being taught this fact. its a shame as besides the history of the city, theres likely archeologic value in exploring them, if any survive

If there are any tunnels under the city.....one would hope they've been blocked off so homeless aren't roaming underground with access to basements of unsuspecting property owners. 

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I had friends in high school (in Pittsburgh) that had way too many study halls their Senior year.  They went spelunking for hours daily in the no longer being used water pipes under and near the school. Instead of leaving that gem hidden, why not find them, make sure they are safe and start offering spelunking..Maybe that new Empire Sports would be interested in providing tour groups?

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3 hours ago, Beekeeper said:

Instead of leaving that gem hidden, why not find them, make sure they are safe and start offering spelunking

Because of the liability involved I cant see anyone offering that option free choice, but I can see guided tours being offered!

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As someone not from this area, it amazes me that more is not advertised about our involvement in the Underground Railroad.  I had no clue that anything had happened here. Then again Huck's trip down the river with the island he hid on does remind me of the Chemung River.

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1 hour ago, Beekeeper said:

As someone not from this area, it amazes me that more is not advertised about our involvement in the Underground Railroad.  I had no clue that anything had happened here. Then again Huck's trip down the river with the island he hid on does remind me of the Chemung River.

There is a LOT that is taken for granted around here. Those who were born and raised here take it for granted until someone comes along to remind us how remarkable something is. 

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Can someone from Elmira that knows the legend write a book about it?  From Mark Twain lived here to some imaginary child watching mom and dad help on the underground railroad...So many have left Elmira to work elsewhere.  It'd be nice to capture the long ago memories while we can...Kind of a contrast to Hellmira...Can't we be remembered for doing something good instead?

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