The Queens Historical Society in Flushing recently published a book
called _Angels of Deliverance_ and their research team has just
received additional funding for another larger book on the
Underground Railroad. For info call: (718) 939-0647.

R. Scott Hanson
Ph.D. Candidate
Committee on the History of Culture
The University of Chicago

>  >    Does anyone know of a definitive map of the  Underground Railroad
>>stations in New York State?  I need to be able to  obtain rights or
>>permission to use it for a book on NY women which will include  Harriet
>>Tubman. Thanks so much, Antonia Petrash
>
>         I do not know how anyone else will respond to this posting, and
>what I have to say reflects not at all on the project: I am delighted to
>know that Harriet Tubman is being written about and that there is a
>forthcoming book on New York women.  That is all to the good.
>
>         The request for a "definitive map of the Underground Railroad
>stations," however, is a bit worrisome.  There are certainly spots where
>fugitives from slavery were housed and some of those are well documented.
>I could point to the very careful program underway in Oswego County or Milt
>Sernett's fine forthcoming book (Syracuse University Press) that will give
>a good deal of information about such things. And certainly, John Jones'
>work in Elmira is exceedingly significant.
>
>         But a "definitive map" of such places is something of a
>contradiction in terms.  The activity was illegal and conducted in a
>clandestine manner for the protection of the fugitives and of those who
>helped them.  It was not as if an escaping slave from Virginia was given a
>triple A road map at New York's border.  There was no map, nor should we --
>to my way of thinking -- endorse any particular route and way as definitive
>because of the very nature of the activity.  If we "sanction" a particular
>way, we imply that that was the route to be taken when in truth, those who
>came into New York (and probably those who went elsewhere) were sent the
>way that was best at that moment, or sent where someone had a contact who
>could be trusted, or made his or her way as best he could.  It was
>patchwork, it was often made up on the spot, and for the most part getting
>near Lake Ontario or to Buffalo was the major goal.
>
>         Fugitives were certainly helped throughout New York.  Of that we
>can be proud.  But there were here plenty of other people who would have
>been indifferent to their cause, and some who would have gladly turned them
>back and collected the reward.  Just look at the Jerry case in Syracuse to
>see all the various sides at work.
>
>         So I do wish this project well, in fact, I look forward to it.  But
>let's not certify a map or route or way without recognizing the complexity
>of the situation and the risks for all concerned.
>
>                 Carol Kammen