The Search for the Underground Railroad in Upstate New York

Thursday, August 14th

6:30 p.m.

Old County Courthouse, Fonda, N.Y.

        Please join us on Thursday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Montgomery County’s Old Courthouse on 9 Park Street in Fonda, NY  for author Tom Calarco’s presentation and book signing on a fascinating piece of local history the Underground Railroad.

The Program on August 14

Because of its clandestine nature, much of the history of the Underground Railroad remains shrouded in secrecy--so much so that some historians have even doubted its importance. After decades of research, Tom Calarco recounts his experiences compiling evidence to give credence to the legend's oral history in upstate New York. As the Civil War loomed and politicians from the North and South debated the fate of slavery, brave New Yorkers risked their lives to help fugitive slaves escape bondage. Whites and blacks alike worked together on the Underground Railroad, using ingenious methods of communication and tactics to stay ahead of the slave master and bounty hunter. Especially after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act, conscientious residents doubled their efforts to help runaways reach Canada. Join Calarco on this journey of discovery of one of the noblest endeavors in American history.

After the presentation Tom will be selling and autographing copies of his new book The Search for the Underground Railroad in Upstate New York.

We hope you’ll join us on August 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Montgomery County’s Old Courthouse for this very interesting program. Admission is free. The Old Fonda Courthouse is located at 9 Park Street in Fonda, NY. For more information, please call MontgomeryCounty Historian Kelly Farquhar at (518) 853-8186.