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
Awards





FREEDOM IS
feeling accepted
Mia Maye
Niagara Falls, NY
Photos: Copyright 2018 Kim Smith Photo and Seth Frankel/Studio Tectonic (no rights/permissions granted)