Discovering the North Star Underground Railroad Museum
Telling the story of an essential chapter in American history.
North Star Underground Railroad Museum in Keeseville, NY.
Every year, 100,000 people visit Ausable Chasm, the stunning gorge in the northeastern Adirondacks near Lake Champlain. This incredible site has been called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” But just across the road is another destination worthy of a visit: The Northstar Underground Railroad Museum.
Nestled in the scenic town of Keeseville, New York, the North Star Underground Railroad Museum is a testament to one of the most critical chapters in American history. This compact museum tells the powerful story of the Underground Railroad in the Adirondacks and its role in helping enslaved people seek freedom in Canada.
This museum offers an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, students, or anyone passionate about the struggle for liberty. Through informative exhibits, video installations and artifacts from the era, this compact museum illuminates the region's involvement in the abolitionist movement and the human stories behind it.
The Underground Railroad: A symbol of bravery, justice, and humanity.
In case you didn’t know, the Underground Railroad was not a physical railway but rather a vast network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved people to escape from the southern United States to free states in the North and ultimately to Canada. While much of the historical focus on the Underground Railroad has been on places like Pennsylvania and Ohio, the North Star Underground Railroad Museum highlights the Champlain Valley region's significant role in this network.
Informative exhibits at the North Star Underground Railroad Museum.
New York State was a key corridor for freedom seekers, particularly the northern counties bordering Canada. Many sought refuge in communities along the shores of Lake Champlain, including Keeseville. Abolitionists, both Black and white, risked their lives to aid freedom seekers, and the museum’s exhibits detail the courage and dedication of these individuals.
Telling the story of the Underground Railroad in the Adirondacks and beyond.
Opened in 2011, the North Star Underground Railroad Museum is operated by the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association (NCUGRHA). Its mission is to preserve and share the stories of the Underground Railroad in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas, connecting visitors to the region's rich history.
The museum provides a deep dive into the history of the Underground Railroad in upstate New York, offering unique insights into the impact of slavery and the abolitionist movement within the town of Keeseville, the State of New York and the Nation. Despite the museum’s relatively small size, it manages to pack in a ton of information, ensuring visitors leave with a comprehensive understanding of this crucial period in American history.
The themes the museum explores include:
Slavery artifact on display.
Routes to freedom: Exhibits highlight freedom seekers' routes through the Adirondacks and into Canada. It also explains how geography played a role in these escape plans. For example, Lake Champlain was a critical waterway freedom seekers used to reach safety, connecting Canada and the Hudson River.
Freedom seekers’ stories: One of the museum's most moving parts is its collection of personal narratives from those who made the perilous journey to freedom. Through these accounts, visitors can learn about the real people who risked everything to escape the bonds of slavery. Stories like those of John Thomas, who fled to the North via the Champlain Canal, highlight both the perils of the journey and the resilience of those who dared to make it.
Abolitionist allies: Visitors learn about local residents who helped freedom seekers along their journey. Many were Quakers, who were staunchly anti-slavery, but others were brave citizens who believed in the fundamental human right to freedom. The museum features profiles of prominent local abolitionists such as John Brown and Gerrit Smith, as well as unsung heroes whose contributions were vital to the success of the Underground Railroad.
Legal battles and the Fugitive Slave Act: Visitors are introduced to the harsh realities that freedom seekers and their allies faced after the passing of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This law made it legal for slaveholders to recapture escaped enslaved people, even in free states, making the journey north even more dangerous. The museum provides an in-depth look at how the law impacted both fugitives and abolitionists in the region.
Local landmarks: The museum's connection to real historical sites in the area is fascinating. The museum offers maps and guides to local homes, barns, and churches that served as “stations” on the Underground Railroad. Visitors can explore these landmarks independently, adding a tangible layer to their understanding of the area's history.
Beyond the exhibits: engaging the community.
The North Star Underground Railroad Museum isn't just about static exhibits. It is a hub for educational programming and community engagement. The museum hosts lectures, guided tours, and special events throughout the year, offering a dynamic learning environment for visitors of all ages. These programs bring in historians, authors, and descendants of freedom seekers and abolitionists, enriching the visitor experience with firsthand accounts and in-depth knowledge.
The museum uses video, artifacts and exhibits to tell the story of the Underground Rail
Additionally, the museum works closely with local schools, offering field trips and a range of educational resources that make history come alive for students. Through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities, and guided tours, young learners are encouraged to think critically about the legacy of slavery and the importance of standing up for justice. The museum's educational programs are designed to align with school curriculums and provide a unique learning experience for students.
The museum is located inside the former home of Herbert and Harriet Estes. Herbert Estes was the superintendent of the Ausable Chasm Horse Nail Works, an inventor, mill owner and church leader. He was also a Union soldier who was held prisoner in Salisbury, North Carolina, during the Civil War. He kept a diary during the war and was invited to testify to Congress about his experiences. The museum includes an exhibit about the Estes family.
Preserving the past, inspiring the future.
The North Star Underground Railroad Museum offers an essential reminder of the bravery, sacrifice, and humanity that defined the Underground Railroad. It serves as a memorial to those who risked everything for freedom and a call to action for future generations to continue fighting for equality and justice. A visit to this museum is more than just a history lesson; it is an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggle for human rights and the importance of preserving the stories of those who came before us.
The North Star Underground Railroad Museum is located at 1131 Mace Chasm Road in Keeseville, New York, just off Route 9. It is open seasonally, typically from May through October, and admission is free, though donations are welcome to support the museum’s ongoing work.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides accommodations for visitors with disabilities. During the off-season, the Museum can be opened for private tours by appointment. Visit their website for more information.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near Keeseville, NY.
