Places to Discover Black History In the Finger Lakes (Part 1)

Finger Lakes History is Black History and vise versa. The first, not possible without the latter. The contributions of African Americans to the cultural, industrial, political and social fabric of the Finger Lakes is undeniable and continues today. Many of the region's museums, historical landmarks and most enduring stories honor their legacy. 

Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (Auburn, NY)

After approximately 13 trips south, rescuing 70 enslaved persons, the "Woman called Moses" settled in Auburn. Come and experience the indomitable spirit of this remarkable woman at the Home for the Aged, the Tubman residence, the Infirmary ruins and related sites.

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum (Hammondsport, NY)

In Hammondsport, NY Cornelius Robinson Coffee trained to become the first African American certified aircraft mechanic in the United States in 1932, and later that year became the first African American to hold both a pilot’s license and mechanic’s license. He would go on to Establish the first African American owned flight school.

National Women's Hall of Fame (Seneca Falls, NY)

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, was a passionate and effective advocate for the needs of minorities, women and children. Chisholm changed the nation’s perception about the capabilities of women and Black Americans. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame at Seneca Falls for her contributions in 1993.

Frederick Douglass Monument & Memorial Plaza (Rochester, NY)

Stop at the Frederick Douglass Memorial Plaza at South Avenue and Robinson Drive, near the famed abolitionist's home in honor of his life and times in the city of Rochester, where he published his highly influential newspaper the North Star, composed and gave some of his most time-enduring speeches.