Two More Days for Early Registration Savings!! Register before Aug 31 for one of the most important and comprehensive conferences on the Underground Railroad and save. Don't miss more than 30 leading experts who will Illuminate the compelling stories, the courageous people, and historic places on the Underground Railroad.

The Spirit of Douglass Will Be at the Conference Michael Crutcher, who makes appearances all over the country as "Frederick Douglass," will be present at the Conference on Friday September 28 to meet and greet attendees. Crutcher is a devout scholar of Frederick Douglass and believes his calling is to share Douglass’ principle of freedom, equality, religion, and self-esteem.

Closing Session to Illuminate& Interpret the Struggle for Freedom's Impact The conference's Closing Session September 29th promises to be a moving and enlightening experience for attendees. Two theatrical recreations, one set in the City of Rochester in 1859 and the other on an Alabama plantation in 1862, will illuminate and interpret the impact of the struggle for freedom in the United States on the moral and spiritual development of two ordinary but singular young people.

Freedom Festival Events Announced - Freedom Lives Here! Mark your calendar for a memorable freedom celebration Sunday Sept. 30, from 2-6 p.m. in Susan B. Anthony Square in Rochester. See historical enactors, music, entertainment and tours. Bring the whole family for this historic event. Free and open to the public!

Scholarships Available - See Criteria and How to Apply If you are unable to afford the conference fees, we will do our best to honor requests for scholarships based on demonstrated need.

Hyatt Offers Special Rates for Conference Attendees The Hyatt is conveniently connected via an enclosed walkway to the Convention Center, where the Conference is being held. Please reserve your room by September 4, to get the Conference rate.

Group Rates & Student Discounts Available If your school or business is planning on sending multiple people to the conference or keynote events, discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For registration information please contact Barb Cutrona at 585-256-4642

Presenter Spotlight: Timothy McDonnell, M Ed, Board Member/Newsletter Editor, New York Geographic Alliance The Geography of the Underground Railroad in New York State 3:15 - 4:45 p.m.Fri. Sept 29 Many studies have been done of stations and routes in different parts of New York State. This presentation will describe how the unique geography of the state made New York so important to the success of the Underground Railroad.

Presenter Spotlight: Rosemary Sadlier, President, Ontario (Canada) Black History Society North Side View of Slavery 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. Fri. Sept 29 This year marks the Bicentenary of the Act to Abolish the British Trans-Atlantic Slave trade.  The Ontario Black History Society was created in 1978 to tell this story and other aspects of African-Canadian history. Learn about the seminal connections between Rochester and Toronto, and the experiences of a phenomenal African-Canadian woman, Mary Ann Shadd and her relationship to Frederick Douglass.

Reserve Tables Now for Juan Williams Opening Keynote Luncheon Friday Sept. 28 at 12 Noon Juan Williams is one of America's leading political writers and thinkers. The senior correspondent for NPR, and political analyst for Fox Television, is also a regular panelist for FoxNews Sunday. Williams will deliver the opening keynote. Tables of 10 are $350. See flier For details contact Hanif Abdul Wahid

Welcome New Exhibitors Exhibitor Space Available - Reserve Your Booth Today We look forward to welcoming conference exhibitors; Heritage New York, Democrat and Chronicle, Nazareth College, Rochester Public Library, The Scholars Choice, Moodmakers Books, and the Workforce Diversity Network. Reach people who appreciate your products and services. 10 x 10 draped booths, $300 regular; $200 non-profit.

Plan to Visit Book Exhibit at Conference Plan now to browse through the extensive selection of books available for sale at the conference by Moodmakers, an Independent African American bookstore that maintains a large and diverse collection of books for children and adults.