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Upcoming Events

  • July 5: America's First Martyrs Day

    Sunday, July 5

    While celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary, remember the slain activists and protesters, of any era in U.S. history, and those slain in America whose untimely deaths led to positive changes in this nation as well as those who made extraordinary sacrifices for equal justice throughout their lifetime. They are American martyrs.

    John Brown State Historic Site, 115 John Brown Rd, Lake Placid, NY

    Part of John Brown America 250. See flyer for more information.

    Time: 3:30pm-5:00pm

  • July 20: Opening Flag Ceremony

    Monday, July 20

    Color Guard, America 250 Banner, and Cyclists from Five Hamlets.
    Community Recorded Reading of Declaration of Independence.
    Together, we let the words first proclaimed in 1776 be heard anew in Keeseville in 2026—spoken by the community they continue to inspire. Sponsored by Anderson Falls Heritage Society and Ausable Valley Grange No. 973 Wheat Paste Radio.

    Keeseville Waterfront Park, Ausable Street, Keeseville, NY

    See flyer for more information.

    Time: 5:00pm

  • July 20: Transcendentalist Fantasy Camp Roundtable

    Monday, July 20

    A discussion hosted by biographer Dr. Louis DeCaro Jr. featuring Dr. Nell Painter and Dr. David Reynolds. Why did the philosophers of self-reliance throw in with the abolitionist who took up arms? How did the Transcendentalists, like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, see John Brown? Dr. Nell Painter and Dr. David Reynolds help Dr. Louis DeCaro Jr. answer.

    Zoom meeting; registration required.

    Part of John Brown America 250. See flyer for more information.

    Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

  • July 21: Historic Roadside Marker Narrated Bus Tour

    Tuesday, July 21

    Travel through 200 years of Ausable and Chesterfield history in less than 90 minutes! Discover the stories behind our roadside markers. Meet the people who shaped our towns, and see the places where history unfolded.
    Limited to 15 passengers. No charge to ride!

    Keeseville pick-up and drop-off locations:
    1:00 pm at Knights of Columbus, 1435 US-9, Keeseville, NY
    1:05 pm at Keeseville United Methodist Church parking lot, 1699 Front St, Keeseville, NY

    See flyer for more information.

    Time: 1:00pm

  • July 22: History Matters: Revolution, Independence, and Valcour Island

    Wednesday, July 22

    History matters because liberty is not self-sustaining; it must first be imagined in the minds and hearts of ordinary people and then defended through sacrifice, leadership, and endurance. Using figures such as John and Abigail Adams, Joseph Warren, and William Emerson, this engaging illustrated presentation will explain how the American Revolution grew from conviction into action, while the Declaration of Independence gave that struggle its clearest moral and political purpose. Its central regional argument is that Valcour Island deserves lasting historical importance because Benedict Arnold's improvised naval stand on Lake Champlain delayed the British advance long enough to preserve the northern defenses and help make Saratoga possible. A familiar story will be told in an unfamiliar manner, something you won't want to miss!
    With guest speaker John Krueger.

    Keeseville Fire Department, 8 Pleasant Street, Keeseville, NY

    See flyer for more information.

    Time: 7:00pm

  • July 23: America 250 Trivia Night

    Thursday, July 23

    Join us for a fun night of historical trivia as part of our America 250 Celebration. Categories have been put together by Margaret Sheehey, Tom Pray and Don Wickman. We are excited to dig up some history and have fun remembering the past.
    Please· call the library for more information or to register (518) 834-9054.

    Keeseville Elks Lodge 2072, 1 Elk St, Keeseville, NY

    See flyer for more information.

    Time: 6:00pm

  • August 21: Fugitives, Friends, and the Fight for Freedom

    Friday, August 21

    Fugitives, Friends, and the Fight for Freedom with speaker Jeffery Davis.

    John Brown State Historic Site, 115 John Brown Rd, Lake Placid, NY

    Part of John Brown America 250. See flyer for more information.

    Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

  • October 16: Pilgrimage to Harpers Ferry

    Friday, October 16

    A Harper's Ferry BROWNIAC MEETUP (October 16–18). Walk with us as we explore Harper’s Ferry, pepper Dr. Louis DeCaro Jr. with questions, and enjoy the scenery.

    Harper's Ferry, WV

    Part of John Brown America 250. See flyer for more information.

    Time: 8:00am

Our Mission

To research, preserve, interpret, and promote the Underground Railroad history of Northeastern New York's Waterways to Freedom and to celebrate the importance of that history and its relevance and significance to our own time. Our activities include:

  • Research
  • Exhibits
  • Preservation of historic sites
  • Instructional Materials
  • Media Presentations
  • Dramatic readings and displays

Museum Open

The North Star Underground Railroad Museum is now open.
Visit the Museum page for days and hours.

Docents Needed

Join the fun and become a docent at the North Star Underground Railroad Museum.

Call Jackie Madison, 518-834-5180.