"Slavery at the River's Edge"

Power of Place, Power of People

Slavery at the River's Edge explores the city of Paterson's involvement in the Underground Railroad and other notable pieces of African American history. Soon to be available as a digital book, this document was researched and produced by local historian and author Jimmy Richardson. From Colonial America to the modern era, these stories remind us that Paterson's history mirrors the nation's, and our obligation to shine a light on "hidden history" and the legacy of enslavement in the Americas.

Explore the inspiration for and stories from this project in our project interview with author Jimmy Richardson.

Additional Resources

• Learn more about the author, Jimmy Richardson.
• Explore the nearby Huntoon-Van Rensalier site, a Nationally Designated Underground Railroad Site under the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program, at 125 Broadway Street in downtown Paterson (visit Paterson Great Falls to collect the Network to Freedom passport stamp).
• Use National Park Service resources to learn the legacy of enslavement in the Americas, study the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, connect with history and heritage, and find places of struggle, community and triumph across the nation.