Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

Niagara Falls, New York, was one of the most dramatic locations on the entire Underground Railroad. It was a last stop before crossing the border to Canada and freedom.

The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is a new, experiential museum that tells the authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls, New York. The Heritage Center connects these stories from the past with contemporary stories of freedom-seeking, to inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices stemming from slavery and to take action toward an equitable society. The exhibition uses powerful, historically accurate theatrical recreations and dramatic interactive media to immerse visitors in the journey of freedom seekers as they approach this final river and cross to freedom and safety in Canada. Exhibits use facilitated dialogue as a catalyst to engage the public in complex social issues relating to freedom and slavery in our contemporary world.

Studio Tectonic provided exhibition planning, content development and writing, exhibit and graphic design, media art and story direction, and fabrication administration.

Client

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area

Location

Niagara Falls, NY


Categories

Cultural History

Exhibit/Site of Conscience

Featured

Interactive Media

Museum

Youth Engagement


Partners

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area: Historical Research

Dr. Judith Wellman, Historical New York Research Associates: Historical Research

Richard Lewis Media Group: Media

E.B. Lewis: Watercolor Illustrations

Clanton & Associates: Lighting Design

International Coalition of Sites of Conscience: Facilitated Dialogue Consulting

USA Exhibits: Fabrication

Electrosonic: Media Integration

Wendel Architects: Architectural/Engineering Coordination

FREEDOM IS
feeling accepted

Mia Maye
Niagara Falls, NY

Photos: Copyright 2018 Kim Smith Photo and Seth Frankel/Studio Tectonic (no rights/permissions granted)