History, Community, and the Power of Shared Experiences: Josh Miller on Lessons from Niagara Falls and Toronto
There are journeys that change the way we see the world: ones that leave us breathless, filled with awe, and gratitude. This fall, Hannah Drake and I embarked on such a journey for (Un)Known Project, tracing the footsteps of freedom seekers from New York to Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada. Along the way, we learned about the history of the Underground Railroad, met remarkable people, and witnessed the natural wonder of Niagara Falls. This adventure was not just a trip; it was a transformative experience that taught us valuable lessons about history, community, and the power of shared experiences.
Exploring History and Heritage
Our journey began in New York City following a convening with Open Society Foundation Fellows including the Soros Equality Fellows in our cohort. Nervously hopping in a rental car in Manhattan (My first time driving in NYC), we drove to Sojourner Truth State Park in Kingston, New York. Arriving safely, we met the team from Scenic Hudson, and heard about the remarkable Sojourner Truth, a fearless abolitionist and women’s rights activist who the park is named after while talking about the role of the park in telling engaging stories and serving as a destination for locals and tourists.
Next, we embarked for the Niagara River, where enslaved freedom seekers once made their perilous crossing to Canada. Standing on this historic ground, we were reminded of the immense courage and determination of those who risked everything for a chance at freedom. We visited the church where Harriet Tubman worshipped, and the hall where Frederick Douglass spoke in Toronto, connecting with the rich tapestry of African American history that spans across borders.
At the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, we heard even more about Harriet Tubman, a beacon of hope for freedom seekers, who once said, “I would fight for my liberty so long as my strength lasted.” Her words resonate with the indomitable spirit of those who pursued freedom relentlessly. We also learned about Cecelia Jane Reynolds, who was enslaved by the Thruston family in Louisville, KY and escaped to freedom after traveling with her enslavers to the Cataract House Hotel in Niagara Falls at the age of fifteen (more about her life in Steal Away Home). Each place we went, we saw connections to Kentucky, whose role with enslavement has often been downplayed and hidden.
Arriving in Toronto, we were met by Rachel Platt of the Frazier History Museum and Lamont Collins of Roots 101 African American Museum. Our time in Canada included a focus on the story of Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, who escaped enslavement in Louisville, KY and built their home in Canada as free people. Author and archeologist Karolyn Smardz Frost, who wrote the book I’ve Got A Home In Glory Land, met us in Toronto, where we got to visit Inglenook Community School that sits on the site where the Blackburn’s home was located, and we got to hold artifacts from their lives. It was amazing to have pieces of glass bottles and dishes, buttons, marbles, pieces of a pipe, and more in our hands knowing that their history went back decades as part of the Blackburn’s life in Toronto. It made the stories that much more tangible. That day, we held a piece of freedom between our fingers.
Nature’s Grandeur at Niagara Falls
One of the highlights of our journey was visiting the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. The sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder left us humbled and awestruck. It reminded me of a quote by John O’Donohue, “I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.” The Falls are the epitome of nature’s breathtaking, ever-unfolding surprises.
Our 5-hour tour of the falls was an unexpected experience that created a vivid and enduring memory. It ignited a spark of excitement and joy as we sailed through the mist near Horseshoe Falls and danced and laughed together surrounded by rainbows. These moments of novelty and surprise Hannah and I experienced together etched themselves into our collective memory. We may have been chilled to the bone, but I will never forget our time together on the Maid of the Mist.
Near the end of the tour, I stood on the wood steps near the riverbank being soaked in the roaring mist of the falls, knowing that enslaved people would travel down 280 such steps to get to the banks of the Niagara River before paying 25 cents to cross to freedom. In just over 8 minutes, their feet touching the soil of another country, their steps off the boat steps into freedom and a new life.
Here are some other fascinating facts we learned about Niagara Falls:
- During the summer, 75,000 gallons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second, sourced from the Great Lakes.
- Frederick Law Olmsted played a pivotal role in establishing Niagara Falls as America’s first state park, preserving its natural beauty. Yet another connection to Louisville, KY as Olmsted designed the city’s park system.
- Nikola Tesla, an immigrant, designed the first hydro-electric power plant in Niagara Falls, patenting numerous inventions that shaped the modern world.
Shared Moments Create Lasting Memories
On our first night in Niagara (we stayed on the U.S. side), we decided to venture into Canada for dinner, only to discover that it was Canadian Thanksgiving. We too had a lot to be thankful for.
From our tour of Niagara Falls to walking around the vibrant city of Toronto, exploring new places and seeing the diversity represented on the streets reminded us of what is possible. It allowed us to understand different cultures and envision life from a different perspective. These shared moments enriched our understanding of the world and deepened our appreciation for the breadth of human experiences that makes it so fascinating.
As we returned home, we carried with us not only the history and beauty we encountered but also the memories of laughter, discovery, and camaraderie. Our journey demonstrated just how impactful exploring the world with friends and colleagues can be. A transformative experience that opens our hearts and minds to new possibilities, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Takeaways from Our Journey
- History Teaches Us Resilience: Our journey through the Underground Railroad reminded us of the resilience and strength of those who fought for freedom. Their stories inspire us to persevere in the face of adversity.
- The Power of Unity: The Underground Railroad was not just a network of secret routes; it was a community of individuals who supported each other. In our own lives, fostering connections and unity can lead to remarkable achievements.
- Nature’s Wonders Inspire Awe: Visiting natural wonders like Niagara Falls can instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us. These moments of awe can be both humbling and invigorating.
- Shared Experiences Strengthen Bonds: Traveling and exploring with friends and colleagues can create lasting memories and strengthen personal and professional relationships. These shared experiences can lead to enhanced teamwork and collaboration.
- The importance of prioritizing healing and joyful experiences: This work, the unearthing and honoring of the names and stories of Black enslaved people can be exhausting and take a toll on you mentally and emotionally. Each new story highlighting yet another way that Black people were dehumanized by White enslavers. The trip was punctuated with surprising and fun experiences that allowed us to slow down, be present, rest and heal so that we can continue to expand the reach and impact of (Un)Known Project.
Our journey from Niagara Falls to Toronto was more than a trip; it was a lesson in history, a celebration of nature, and a testament to the power of shared experiences. We returned home with hearts full of gratitude, minds brimming with knowledge and ideas for (Un)Known Project, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.