UREC Update April 2024

Hear from Paul Stewart, co-founder of Albany’s Underground Railroad Education Center, about all the activities afoot for the organization. UREC’s tagline is “Learn the past, be the present, create the future,” and the update shows each part. The future is a new Interpretive Center that will be housed in an 18th century Dutch barn renovated with state-of-the-art technology, including “net zero” design with solar panels, geothermal HVAC, and other environmentally progressive features. Appropriately, the ground-breaking will be on Earth Day, April 22nd. The present is heaps of activities open to all: tour “experiences” of a former residence of Stephen and Harriet Myers, two 1800’s African-American abolitionists deeply involved with helping people escape the institution of slavery; a Young Abolitionists Institute to enhance youths’ knowledge and skills; a reading club, monthly workshops, and much more. “Learn the past” underpins all of UREC’s activities — that, and connecting past to present. For more information, visit undergroundrailroadhistory.org or, even better, stop by 194 Livingston Avenue in Albany (call ahead at 518-621-7793). Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.