Our Young Abolitionists

mariahshowtime
May 1, 2013
2 min read

Each summer The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence is greeted by a new group of eager and curious faces, and a few faces that look like they’d rather be anywhere else. This group represents new sets of hands that will help guide restoration and new minds that will absorb the history that our Residence represents. These teens from all over the Capital Region are here to be Young Abolitionists.

Our 2015 Young Abolitionists on the steps outside of the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence

This group came to be after we realized that instead of just having kids do work around the grounds we could create something that would be a more educational and fulfilling experience for them. From that concept came the four week summer historical immersion program known as The Young Abolitionists.

Aside from just learning to appreciate the value of preservation for us and for those who follow us these teens also learn how to listen, speak publicly, collaborate, problem solve, evaluate, think critically, write, laugh, and find a place where they can feel safe. They also have the chance to engage in archaeological digs, photo shoots, videography design, gardening, and poetic expression as a critique of society.

Kini McCalmon talks about the dances she's involved in and the reasons why she participates in Young Abolitionists as she performs as part of a youth dance demonstration at the 15th Annual Underground Railroad conference. She enjoys the dances and the history!

Our Young Abolitionists are a creative and passionate group. They plan and implement events and help shape the direction of the restoration of the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence. One particularly successful fundraising program run by the Young Abolitionists is Bonnets and Bayonets: An Evening of Victorian Dance. A fun night of dance instruction, live music, refreshments, lively conversation, and lots of laughter. Our Young Abolitionists dress in clothing from the time of Stephen Myers and perform dances that he might’ve done. Be sure to check out this event the next time it comes around!

Young Abolitionists enjoy an evening of Victorian dancing and fun at Bonnets and Bayonets!

The Young Abolitionists are more than just a summer immersion program, for us at the URHP they represent hope for the future. Thank you to all of our Young Abolitionists for sharing your creativity and curiosity with us!