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Rory Gold Wienk ’24 is one of 31 student fellows who completed research with a community-based organization in upstate New York this summer as a part of the Upstate Institute Summer Field School.

On Oct. 21, 1835, abolitionists from across the state of New York planned to convene in Utica to discuss the formation of an anti-slavery society. However, a group of citizens in Utica were opposed to this meeting and caused so much disturbance that the abolitionists were left with no choice but to relocate. They traveled 30 miles through the night to the hamlet of Peterboro in the town of Smithfield, New York. On Oct. 22, the New York State Anti-Slavery Society was established in the Presbyterian church of Peterboro, now the Smithfield Community Center, and the site of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum. 

The National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) honors the legacy of abolitionists who dedicated their lives to the antislavery movement. Additionally, NAHOF strives to continue its work and “complete the second and ongoing abolition — the moral conviction to end racism.” To support this mission, NAHOF hopes to write its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement this year, with the intention to use this in conjunction with information and resources to support its mission of ongoing abolition. My project focuses on the origins, goals, and successes of DEI to assist NAHOF in writing its statement and employing it in a way that supports the mission statement. 

As a history major with an interest in social justice, I have always recognized the importance of preserving the past in order to initiate progress. Though relatively unknown, the rich history of Peterboro is significant to the abolitionist movement and the present day. Despite living in upstate New York and learning about its history growing up, I had never heard about what happened in Peterboro, whether that be the life of Gerrit Smith or the inaugural meeting of the New York State Anti-Slavery Society. I hope that my research on DEI will help NAHOF develop ways to use this history and resources to support the second abolition movement.

The highlight of my time so far with NAHOF was their three-day Juneteenth programming, which I was able to assist with and attend. Not only did I interact with and hear incredible authors speak about the abolition movement through to the present, but I also saw how a museum can be more than just a collection of information. It can also be a forum for important discussions. During a time when our history is more and more often being thrown to the wayside, it’s especially important to create spaces to discuss history. The United States’ complicated racial history will continue to remain a hindrance to progress if left unspoken. 

Thank you to the National Abolition Hall of Fame and the Upstate Institute for this amazing opportunity.