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.