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Celebrate the 8th Annual Solomon Northup Day · Saturday, July 15, 2006 · 10:00 to 4:00 At The Saratoga Springs Visitor Center (Corner of Congress and Broadway) |
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Solomon Northup was born a free man in Minerva, NY, July 1808. While working at local hotels as a cab driver and violinist in Saratoga Springs, he was abducted and sold into slavery in Louisiana for 12 years before regaining his freedom. Canadian Samuel Bass, citizens of Saratoga and surrounding areas were instrumental in arranging for Solomon’s release and return to his family. An historical marker at the corner of Congress and Broadway marks this spot and an exhibit panel inside the Visitor Center commemorates his life. The story of his ordeal can be read in his autobiography Twelve Years A Slave. Solomon Northrup was released from slavery in Louisiana on January 4, 1853, and returned to his home and family in Saratoga Springs, New York. Join Us! Celebrate The 8th Annual Solomon Northup Day Solomon Northup Day includes a reception with food mid-way through the program. Events will include music, storytelling, and presentations:
Come hear the secret about Captain Samuel Schuyler, early Albany's foremost founding family. |
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 Northup descendants assembled with Saratoga Springs mayor O'Connell after presentation of the historical marker, July 1999. |
Solomon Northup's Family |  Solomon Northup's homecoming with his family after he was rescued and freed from slavery. |
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Solomon’s father, Mintus Northup, is buried in Baker Cemetery, Hudson Falls, Washington County. Solomon Northrup's resting place is not known. Descendants reside in Maryland, Connecticut. and California. The family matriarch, Victoria Northup Linzy Dunham, who is in her 90s, lives in southern California. |
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Come Join Us for this American History, Cultural & Educational Event! |
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| You can expect to find a very multi-cultural crowd, a family event, people enjoying themselves, networking, having fun, finding commonality, and learn some history they may not have been aware of. A community event with participants from the community itself, regular citizens as well as scholars, educators and a few politicians and community leaders. | |||||||||
| Solomon Northup Day Event History | Event Sponsors | ||||||||
Renee Moore, the founder of Solomon Northup Day explains, "I got the idea in 1999 after viewing an extensive exhibit developed by a team of researchers at Union College, lead by Dr. Clifford Brown and Rachel Seligman. I read that they had a fascinating history of an African-American man in Saratoga Springs: Solomon Northup. An African-American had never been historically recognized in Saratoga Springs' history. Solomon Northup's story is truly fascinating, and it illuminates an important aspect of our city's history, as well as the history of our nation as a whole.
Solomon Northrup, like most of the African-American native community of Saratoga Springs, goes unrecognized – and basically invisible even today. They have survived over years by taking on the most menial jobs in order to survive and feed their families."
· In 1999, an historical marker at the corner of Congress and Broadway marks this spot and an exhibit panel inside the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center commemorating his life. Forty descendants of Solomon Northup attended the first year from 4 different states. The attendance has increased each year. · On May 23, 2000 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration, Local Legacies Project, Renee Moore, was honored in Great Hall of Library of Congress (LOC) in Washington, DC for establishing Solomon Northup day, and bringing attention to this important part of our history. Moore, along with a number of other Americans, was honored for establishing projects that contribute to the community and are featured as a testament to the uniqueness of our nation and to the pride of its citizens in their heritage. · Solomon Northup Day is now included at the Library of Congress as a permanent part of the LOC Archive and a permanent display at the Saratoga History Museum. · In July 2000, The Historical Society of Saratoga Springs under Jamie Parillo, Executive Director, installed an exhibition on Solomon Northup History and Solomon Northup Day - A Celebration of Freedom. This annual event takes place third Saturday in July at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center and is the first time an African-American has been officially honored in the City of Saratoga Springs. · In 2002, City Council voted and approved Solomon Northup Day as a permanent day for the City of Saratoga Springs; third Saturday in July. · In 2005, internationally renowned violinist, composer and education John Blake, www.johnblake.com played to a capacity crowd.
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This event is sponsored by the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association, Saratoga Springs History Museum, Saratoga County League of Women Voters, Underground Railroad Historical Project of the Capital Region, Inc., The Saratoga County Arts Council, and the City of Saratoga Springs, NY |
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| Event Director | |||||||||
| Renee Moore, Founder / Director of the Solomon Northup Day event (518) 587-8978 rmoore9@nycap.rr.com |
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| Links | |||||||||
| Solomon Northup: From Freedom to Slavery to Freedom Again. Library of Congress: Solomon Northup North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association Underground Railroad Workshop. Albany, NY. AfriGeneas: African Ancestored Genealogy Underground Railroad Research Forum Wikipedia: Underground Railroad Saratoga Springs History Museum Saratoga County League of Women Voters The Saratoga County Arts Council City of Saratoga Springs, NY |
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