Tomorrow marks Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the significance of this National Holiday should never be overlooked. While the day celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., its underlying importance is based on the concepts of racial equality and civil and human rights for all. As we take a moment to remember Dr. King tomorrow, let us also remember other pioneers of the equality movement and the significance they have had on the nation’s history, such those involved in the Underground Railroad. 

 

Back in the early to mid 1800s, activity within the Underground Railroad was at its peak nationwide. The Underground Railroad was a network of clandestine routes. The Underground Railroad served as a symbol of freedom and equality, which were very much ideals that fall in line with Dr. King. What some people might not be aware of is that the Underground Railroad also existed in Jamestown. through which African slaves attempted to escape to free states in the U.S., as well as into Canada, with the aid of abolitionists

 

To bring awareness to the Underground Railroad that was alive in Jamestown and to remember its significance in local and world history, a group of area individuals came together with the idea to create the Underground Railroad Tableau Project (URTP). These individuals formed the URTP Steering Committee in 2000 with the idea of creating a lasting work of art in memory of the Underground Railroad.   

 

With initial aid through the Arts Council, funds were raised to begin planning the project. The Steering Committee then met with local sculptor Dave Poulin for a design and a proposal was ultimately submitted by Mr. Poulin. The proposal was to have a statue with three bronze figures, two of whom were former members of the community. One of those members was Silas Shearman, who was a local abolitionist, and the other was Catherine Harris, who was a free black that helped in the cause. The third figure was to signify an escaping young, black male. 

 

To help with fundraising for the project, the URTP Steering Committee established a non-endowment fund with the Community Foundation. By doing so, each donation made to the project is tax-deductible. In other words, the fund allows the URTP to provide tax benefits to project donors, while having the Community Foundation administer all the monies. 

 

Upon completion of the project, the Underground Railroad statue will be located in Dow Park in Jamestown. The significance of Dow Park is that it was the site of the Village of Jamestown Cemetery in the 1850’s when the Underground Railroad was most active. Furthermore, Dow Park is only blocks from where Catherine Harris once lived.  Currently, a clay model of Catherine Harris is complete and work on the young runaway slave is near completion. The committee is currently raising monies to build the final statue, which will be Silas Shearman. When all three models are completed, they will be bronzed and placed at the Dow Park site. 

 

Take a moment tomorrow to reflect on the significance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he has meant to so many individuals. But, also remember the people within this community, such as those involved in the Underground Railroad, who were just as involved in shaping history and fighting for equality.

 

If you would like to make a gift to the Underground Railroad Tableau Project, contact the Community Foundation at 661-3390.