The Sites

National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Rochester's first National Historic Landmark, the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House was the longtime home of legendary suffragist, abolitionist, and civil rights leader Susan B. Anthony.

From her home on Madison Street, Anthony conducted many of her most significant political activities, including the writing of fiery speeches, petitions, and campaigns. Although Anthony, who served as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, traveled widely, she always returned to her beloved Rochester home.

Frederick Douglass Tour

Frederick Douglass was one of the most renowned human rights leaders of the nineteenth century. A brilliant orator and author, Douglass was at the forefront of the abolitionist movement and became the first black citizen to hold a high rank in the United States government.

Visitors to Rochester today can embark on a self-guided tour tracing Douglass’ legacy throughout the region. Locations significant to his life and work have been marked by thirteen life-sized replica statues of the Frederick Douglass Monument found in Rochester’s Highland Park. Each statue installation includes a QR code that, when scanned, brings viewers to a website with more information on the importance of the site and the Douglass legacy.

The Underground Railroad in Rochester

The Underground Railroad, a national network of people and groups offering shelter and assistance to escapees fleeing the South, began operating in Rochester and surrounding regions during the 1830s.

Due to its proximity to Canada—the final destination for thousands of freedom seekers—Rochester was an active hub and gateway on the Underground Railroad. Many individuals, black and white, and denominations were involved in the local effort to create secret hubs along the route to freedom. Many of these sites are accessible to Rochester visitors.

The Rochester Museum & Science Center

The Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) offers visitors, young and old, the opportunity to learn more about Underground Railroad history in the permanent exhibition Flight to Freedom: Rochester’s Underground Railroad.

This interactive exhibit allows visitors to explore the paths that freedom seekers traveled and learn how Rochester area activists fought to abolish slavery and assist escaped slaves to freedom. Featured historical black figures include Austin Steward, abolitionist and author of the autobiography Twenty-Two Years a Slave; Frederick Douglass, renowned human rights leader; Harriet A. Jacobs, author of the autobiography Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl; and Reverend Thomas James, abolitionist and founder of Rochester’s AME Zion Church.

The Baobab Cultural Center

Founded in 2005 by Dr. Moka La and his wife, Dr. Cheryl Kodjontum, as an art gallery to exhibit their collection of African art in Rochester, Baobab has since developed into a comprehensive cultural center devoted to sharing the history and worldwide influence of African culture.

The Center was named for the sacred African baobab tree, also known as “the tree of life.” As the Center’s website describes, “This enormous tree…has provided shelter as well as medicine and general nutrition through its seeds, leaves, and bark. The cultural center has, therefore, become the place to nourish the mind and spirit of every visitor.”

Visitors to the Baobab Cultural Center can arrange private Magnificent Africa tours for children or adults, stop in to view works of art in the gallery, register for yoga or drum classes, or attend one of many special events.

AKWAABA Tours

AKWAABA Tours allows groups to experience the nineteenth century freedom movement, particularly in relation to the Rochester and Finger Lakes regions, through reenactments, educational presentations, and tours.

AKWAABA’s living history presenters are Rochester area residents from a variety of professional backgrounds and are all devoted to telling the story of the Underground Railroad.

Examples of AKWAABA’s Rochester tours include Riverwalk, a tour along Rochester’s Main Street and Genesee River that highlights the life and work of black abolitionists Frederick Douglass, Austin Steward, and Harriet A. Jacobs, and Riverstroll, which expands upon the Riverwalk tour to include historic sites such as the “Let’s Have Tea” sculpture of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, the Douglass Family plot in historic Mount Hope Cemetery, and the Douglass Monument in Highland Park. AKWAABA customers may also work with members of the organization to design tours or add additional sites to any of the custom tours.

Tours must be arranged in advance by contacting AKWAABA at https://akwaabatours.org/our-tours/; by phone at (585) 482-5192; by fax at (585) 288-3681); or by mail at 181 Royleston Road, Rochester NY 14609-6705.

Walk the Walk: Encounters with Rochester’s African-American Ancestors

Enjoy this free, entertaining and moving performance, as African-Americans from Rochester’s past come to life to share their stories. Share the experiences of Rochesterians from the past, as you meet notables such as Frederick Douglass and Austin Steward—as well as those who may not be as well known, such as Bessie Hamm. This program is appropriate for adults and families.