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The present-day City of Niagara Falls, formerly known as the Village of Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge, played a critical role in the Underground Railroad. Niagara Falls was an established border crossing that was readily accessible via numerous transportation routes, including the Erie Canal. There was a well-established network of abolitionists and anti-slavery activists in western New York.
A primary goal of the Underground Railroad Heritage Area is to rediscover and promote this important aspect of the City’s history for the benefit of both residents and visitors.
Map of the Village of Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge Village c. 1854
Educational Resources
Planning a group tour? Or looking for assistance in teaching this history? Take a look at our specially curated educational resources that include videos, lesson plans and resources that will help you facilitate discussions about freedom seekers!
The Underground Railroad
Take a look at the many historical resources that our researchers used to plan and develop the Heritage Center’s historical materials. Primary, secondary source materials, and behind the scenes videos on our artifacts! Learn more about the unsung heroes of this important movement.
Archives
The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is the premier institution for Underground Railroad interpretation and resources in Western New York. The Heritage Center is host to a variety of records, surveys, and artworks concerning the Underground Railroad, abolitionism, Black activism, Oral History, and general Niagara Falls history. As a project of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission, the Heritage Center’s goal is to preserve the cultural/historic resources of the Niagara County area. Some of our collections include:
- Suspension Bridge Construction Documents & Ledgers
- Appendix C: Survey of Sites Relating to the Underground Railroad, Abolitionism, and African American Life in Niagara Falls and Surrounding Area, 1820-1880
- The Cataract House and The Underground Railroad: Appendices, 1825-1946
- Photographs & Prints Relating to Underground Railroad Sites in Niagara Falls & Surrounding Area
- E. B. Lewis Watercolor Paintings, 2017
- Castellani Art Museum’s Public Art Initiative “Stations” Project Documents, 1989-1993
- Library of Secondary Sources Relating to the Underground Railroad
- Sandra Rutkowski, A Memoir of the Polly King Portrait Ladies, Volume I, 2023
- Prophet Isaiah Robertson’s Second Coming House: Appendices
- Records of Property, Residents, and Significant Families in Village of Bellevue, Suspension Bridge, and Niagara Falls Main Street from Origin to Modern Day
- Uhuru Love Art Collection
Visiting researchers are requested to make appointments in advance by using the form below. The Heritage Center is under no obligation to reproduce these documents partially or in-full.
Research Request Form
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