Descendants and sponsors traveled from across New York State, as well as from California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas to participate in an abolition symposium and inductions of three abolitionists to the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum.
Nominated by Ted Engle, E. Wyn James, the St. David Society of Utica, Oneida County History Center, Remsen-Steuben Historical Society and the Welsh North American Association, inductee Rev. Robert Everett of Remsen was celebrated by a Friday, October 21st evening of Welsh Music and Poetry. Nomination organizer Ted Engle presented Everett’s symposium on Saturday, October 22nd, and a large crowd of Everett descendants took the Induction stage to unveil the inductee banner of their ancestor.
Inductee Calvin Fairbank’s great, great granddaughter Lynn Fairbank presented her ancestor’s symposium during the afternoon symposia, and Fairbank’s great, great, great, grandson Justin Schlesinger presented on the Fairbank house museum in Dedham MA. Fairbank was born in Pike, NY and is buried in Angelica, NY. He spent most of his life in Ohio and Kentucky freeing slaves and being jailed and punished severely for his abolitionist activities. Fairbank descendants and sponsors joined the formal induction ceremonies Saturday evening.
Mary Liz Stewart and Paul Stewart nominated and presented Stephen Myers on behalf of the Underground Railroad Education Center (UREC) in Albany NY. The UREC is located in the 19th C home of Stephen and Harriet Myers. Sunday afternoon Jessica Harney presented on the Myer’s development of the Florence Farming and Lumber Association in Oneida County NY. Two descendants of the Myers joined the Stewarts on stage for the unveiling of the banner which will be installed in the Hall of Fame.
More information will be available on the National Abolition Hall of Fame website.
Photo of Stephen Myers banner unveiling provided.
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