History

A summary timeline of how Solomon Northup Day began.

The Event – A brief History

Based on the autobiography Twelve Years A Slave, 1853 by Solomon Northup

Community invited to celebrate Solomon Northup Day, July 19 A celebration of freedom featuring scholars, historians, films, youth activities, and more

Actress Devyn Tyler, from the Oscar-winning film “12 Years a Slave,” will give a personal account of her experiences making the movie during this year’s Solomon Northup Day activities scheduled for 12:30-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 19 at Skidmore College’s Filene Recital Hall.

...a grassroots effort to raise awareness of this compelling story has been going on for the past 15 years, in particular through Solomon Northup Day, an annual celebration launched in 1999 by Saratoga Springs resident and Skidmore College alumna Renee Moore.

“There was a lot of resistance in the early days,” Moore said Monday. “Precious few stood by me. I had no Ph.D at the end of my name, and black history isn’t something that has really been embraced.”

“I feel like I’m finally on the team that won,” said Johnnie Roberts, a city resident who for years publicized Northup’s story in the city’s visitors center. “I feel vindicated.”

Map of Probable Route Of Northup Kidnapping in Washington DC 1841 (pdf)

1843 Saratoga Springs Map Showing  Locations In Soloman Northup’s Narrative (pdf)

The Kidnapping Case, Narriative of the Seizure and Recovery of Solomon Northrup (pdf)

Trial of the Suspected Kidnappers of Solomon Northup (pdf)

Solomon Northup Petition (pdf)

Myrtle Sue Lyles Eakin, known as Sue Eakin (December 7, 1918–September 17, 2009), was an American professor, newspaper columnist, and historian from Bunkie in Avoyelles Parish. Sue Eakin is responsible for resurrecting the autobiography in 1968 in Louisiana thus brining Solomon's story to the forefront.

Ella is the sister-in-law to Alonzo Northup, her eldest sister was Victoria Northup, married to Solomon Northup. Ella's maiden name was Robinson and she grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Solomon Northup was born a free man in Minerva, New York, in 1808. In 1841 he was kidnapped from Saratoga Springs, leaving behind a wife and three children.

Federal and state partners have recently released a new online map and mobile app to help people explore New York State’s connection to abolitionism and the Underground Railroad.

The story of the Underground Railroad is intimately tied to New York's canals. Thoughout the Corridor, you'll discover travel routes, hiding places, safe houses, and destinations for African Americans seeking to escape slavery in the 1800s.

This event founded in 1999, includes an art exhibition, book display, and other historical and educational programs about Solomon Northup history, the abolitionist movement, the underground railroad and local African-American history and culture. Historians, academia, clergy and performers with a mid-program reception are apart of this educational program.