Madison County historian to explore local contributions to the abolition movement

Matt Urtz

This article originally appeared on the Eagle News Online website. 

 On Tuesday, Feb. 28, in observance of Black History Month, the Cazenovia Public Library & Museum (CPL) will host a presentation titled “Abolition Movement in Madison County” from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Betsy Kennedy Community Room.

Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz will discuss the role that the county played in the organized effort to end slavery in the United States.

“We feel it’s important to honor the efforts and bravery of our community ancestors and recognize the role our small rural communities played on a national stage,” said CPL Interim Director Elisha Davies. “Whether it’s Cazenovia’s 1850 Fugitive Slave Law Convention, Peterboro and Gerrit Smith’s lasting legacy of assisting freedom seekers, or our local connections to famous abolitionists Theodore Weld and Angelina Grimke, it’s a heritage worth celebrating.”

According to Urtz, the abolition movement was active at various times throughout history... read more.