LOCATION: Newburgh, NYC

ROLE: Designer/Architect

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Experience is poised to become the most sought-after museum tourist attraction in the Hudson Valley and New York, in one of New Yorks most historical towns - Newburgh.

By combining modern technology with a compelling narrative, this exhibit will offer high school students a profound understanding of the courage, resilience, and sacrifices made by those who sought freedom through the Underground Railroad. We invite you to embark on this extraordinary journey, stand in the shoes of the brave escapees, and bear witness to the indomitable human spirit that triumphed over the darkness of slavery. The museum hopes to work directly with the New York State Governor’s office to get school superintendents all over the state of New York to make this museum a reality.

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Experience Scholastic initiatives will provide critically needed services to the local children and families of Newburgh and Orange County. By providing in-school teaching and training, many scholastic learning opportunities can be built into these programs.

Proposed.

Existing.

1. Entrance

The entrance of the 4th-floor atrium of The Karpeles museum will serve as the Museum entrance. This area will include a lobby and gift shop for the Underground Railroad as well as registration for the Underground railroad tour.

2. Hidden Room

The room’s location remained a closely guarded secret among abolitionists and trusted conductors of the Underground Railroad. A trapdoor is cleverly camouflaged by furniture to access the hidden room.

3. Symbol Orientation

Quilts used as symbols on the Underground Railroad were part of a complex code system to communicate information to escaping slaves. These quilt codes were a covert means of conveying crucial information to guide escaped slaves on their journey to freedom, and they played a vital role in the success of the Underground Railroad.

4. Waterway

Waterways played a significant role in the Underground Railroad by providing a covert and efficient means of transportation for escaping slaves.

5. Railroad (by night)

Railroad tracks themselves were not used in the Underground Railroad system in the same way as actual trains. Instead, the terminology “railroad” was used metaphorically to describe the network of secret routes.

6. Slave Catcher Station

It’s important to note that there were individuals, known as slave catchers or patrollers, who were hired to capture and return escaped slaves to their owners.

7. Slave Auction Viewing Wall

Behind a grassy knoll you will witness slaves being auctioned off in the sections most of the are dirty half clothed and in chains.

8. Slave Auction

Slave auctions were common occurrences in the South during the period of American slavery. These events were held at designated auction houses, often with a platform where enslaved individuals were displayed to potential buyers.

9. Survival and Trapping Station

Some members used their knowledge of plants to identify edible berries, roots, and wild vegetables. Students are surrounded by projector screens and receive an education on how exactly those methods were used.

10. Railroad (Day)

Terminology “railroad” was used metaphorically to describe the network of secret routes and safe houses used by escaping slaves and those who helped them.

11. Train

On this train, your tour guide through video will illustrate how escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad used hidden routes, safe houses, and coded messages to navigate their path to freedom.

12. Classroom Q&A

This room will be given a classroom atmosphere and give the tour guest a recap of the entire tour exhibit, here a Q&A can be held as well.

Read.