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The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is a unique museum devoted to the story of the Underground Railroad, which was a secret network of routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape bondage in the United States. Located in Niagara Falls, New York, the museum offers exhibits and interactive activities that shed light on this important chapter in American history. The center also serves as a repository for artifacts from the period.

The building housing the Heritage Center was built around 1848 and served as a hub station of the Underground Railroad. It was originally owned by Samuel Breck Parkhurst, an active abolitionist who provided shelter to escaped slaves as they made their way northward on their journey to freedom. The site served as one of many destinations along what became known as “the Freedom Trail” and functioned as an integral part of the network helping refugees make their way safely to Canada.

Inside the Heritage Center are several galleries showcasing photographs and artifacts from this time period including quilts designed by Harriet Tubman with hidden messages meant to guide runaway slaves, personal mementos from individuals who participated in the Underground Railroad, books about abolitionists written during this time period, and much more. Visitors can also take part in interactive activities such as participating in a simulated journey along one of the routes taken by escaping slaves or tracing documents related to slave narratives.

The Heritage Center also hosts various events throughout the year such as lectures, workshops, film screenings, hands-on activities for children, performances by local musicians and dancers, art exhibitions featuring works inspired by emancipation stories and other related programming that draws attention to important issues surrounding human rights and oppression today. In addition to these initiatives, volunteers at the center work hard at preserving memories through oral histories with descendants of those involved with underground railroad stories before they are lost forever.

The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is an important stop along America’s Freedom Trail that serves both educational purposes while preserving history for future generations to learn from. It provides visitors with an up close look into what life must have been like for people fleeing slavery in search of freedom even when faced with tremendous odds against them—a powerful reminder that no matter how dark times may seem there is always hope on the horizon for those brave enough to pursue it.