Norm Dann, founder of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, will share the story of local abolitionist Gerrit Smith at Oneida County History Center on Saturday, November 2, at2:00 p.m. Smith is considered the most influential person in the abolition movement. Gerrit Smith envisioned a society without bias. Dann examines Gerrit’s philanthropy in his pursuit of human rights and will provide examples of how Smith supported abolition and women’s rights through financial resources and voluntary isolation in Peterboro. The presenter pronounces that it is time to reveal the Smith family’s influence on American social life. Dann, professor emeritus at Morrisville State College, lives in Peterboro and is the head docent at the Gerrit Smith Estate, a founder of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, treasurer of the Peterboro Area Museum, and has written ten books on Peterboro – including biographies of each of the Smiths. Dann will have books available for purchase.
Oneida County History Center is a private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational institution
dedicated to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley for
present and future generations. Free for History Center members, $5.00 suggested admission for non-members. Please contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 or visit
oneidacountyhistory.org for additional information.
REVEALING THE WHOLE STORY of GERRIT SMITH: THE PRACTICAL DREAMER
