By Elizabeth Ward, '08

Alex Welshko, '08

and Kendra Spenard, '08

On Jan. 31 2007, The National Abolition Hall of Fame announced its second set of Inductees since the Hall’s opening. The announcements were made on the anniversary of the 13^th amendment; which abolished slavery. The inductees include John Brown, Lydia Marie Francis Child, Wendell Phillips, and Sojourner Truth.

The first set of inductees announced two years ago on March 5, 2005, include Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Lucretia Coffin Mott, Gerrit Smith and Harriet Tubman.

Douglass, born into slavery in February of 1817, became one of the leading abolitionists of his time as an inspiring orator. As a child, Douglas was taught the alphabet by his master’s wife. Later in life, Douglass taught himself how to write. Douglas gave speeches on his memories of when he was a slave and the importance of an immediate end to slavery.

William Lloyd Garrison was a journalist who used his news stories to fight for the freedom of slaves. Garrison also believed in the revolution of the mind, which also is known as the second abolition. Garrison wrote in the popular abolition newspaper The Liberator that slavery was an abomination in God’s eyes.

Lucretia Coffin Mott, born in January of 1793, was recognized as an American Quaker preacher who fought as an abolitionist and a leader in the fight for women’s rights. Mott attended the American Anti-Slavery Society, helped organize the Seneca Falls Convention, and participated in the American Equal Rights Association in 1866.

Gerrit Smith, a wealthy landowner who lived in Peterboro, was a philanthropist who believed in the abolitionist movement. He funded several abolitionist projects, including the raid on Harpers Ferry. Smith was also an important part in the Underground Railroad, helping to free hundreds of slaves.

Harriet Tubman, born in 1821, was a fugitive slave and abolitionist. Tubman escaped from slavery in 1849 and followed the North Star to freedom. During the 1850s Tubman returned to slave territory to help lead about 300 slaves to freedom. Tubman also served during the Civil War. When she died, she was buried with full military honors.

On Jan. 31, NAHOF announced four more inductees for the hall: John Brown, Lydia Mara Francis Child, Wendell Philips, and Sojourner Truth. Brown, who saw himself as an instrument of God helped to free hundreds of slaves. Child worked as an abolitionist through her novels she wrote against slavery. Phillips left his law practice and joined the fight against slavery with the Anti-Slavery Society. Truth, who escaped from slavery, became a famous orator who testified for hope and equality. These abolitionist’s risked their lives in the fight for equal rights and the promise of the second abolition.

The first NAHOF induction ceremony was held Oct. 22 2005, at Colgate University. On Oct. 21, 2006 these first five inductees were commemorated in ceremonies held by Morrisville State College. The date of the induction ceremony marked the 170^th anniversary of the first Anti-Slavery Society meeting, which was held in Peterboro, in the building that is now currently the Smithfield Community Center.

Choosing Peterboro for the home of the hall of fame was fitting in the eyes of Dorothy Willsey, the president of NAHOF.  Peterboro was the site for the first meeting of the New York State Anti-Slavery Society meeting in 1835. Peterboro has more history per capita than any place in the country, Wilsey said.

Peterboro was home to Gerrit Smith, a staunch supporter and financier of the abolition movement and abolitionist activities. Wilsey referred to Smith as “the most famous person you’ve probably never heard of.”  Wilsey herself shares a personal connection to Gerrit Smith: her house once belonged to his grandson.

Wilsey was first active in using history as a tool to confront modern issues when she and others used the women’s suffrage movement to raise local awareness of domestic violence.  Inspired by the success of the Women’s Hall of Fame, Willsey and the Cabinet of Freedom used the Women’s Hall of Fame as a model for their approach of using history to reach a modern audience with a timely message.  NAHOF strives to continue to grow in small-town Peterboro, not merely as a memorial, but a beacon of awareness.                    

The cabinet of freedom is The Smithfield Community Association, consisting of 35 people on October 14, 2004 gathered a committee in honor of the first anti slavery meeting that was held. Along with Colgate University, NAHOF was created.  NAHOF was formed to commemorate the legacy of influential individuals who were instrumental in ridding the country of slavery.  Beyond being a repository of history NAHOF seeks to educate visitors about “the second abolition,” the abolition of racism and discrimination.

The Smithfield Community Center, where NAHOF will be located, is a site on the Heritage NY Statewide Underground Railroad Trail. The SCC and NAHOF are creating a national and state heritage tourism destanation.

The inductees announced this year, will be inducted into NAHOF on Oct. 20, 2007 at Colgate University and will be commemorated on Oct. 25, 2008 at Morrisville State College.