Norman K. Dann PhD, researcher and biographer of members of the Gerrit Smith family of Peterboro, NY, is presenting a series of two-hour lectures on the human rights efforts of Smith and his family, from 4 until 6 pm on Wednesdays through June 25th, at the Smithfield Community Center, 5255 Pleasant Valley Road in Peterboro:
Dr. Dann is professor emeritus at SUNY Morrisville, served in the U.S. Navy, received an M.A. in Political Science at the University of Rhode Island, and a doctorate in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from Syracuse University. He is a founder of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark, and is treasurer of the Peterboro Area Museum.
The public is invited to partake of one, a few, or all the sessions. Admission is by donation by cash, check, or credit card. Peterboro Academy Certificates will be available in July.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 The Era and the Issues
A survey of social life in 19th Century America with emphasis placed on racism and sexism. Black people and women were thought to be inferior mentally and physically. In collaboration with the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State preparing for the commemoration of the Abolition of Enslavement in New York State in 2027, this session will address enslavement in New York State.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Gerrit Smith: The Practical Dreamer
Examines Gerrit Smith’s benevolence and philanthropy in his perusal of human rights movements. Smith operated the land sales business started by Peter Smith in order to have the resources to lubricate social change in the direction of equitable treatment of all persons. Smith believed his wealth was “a divine gift to give away.”
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Ann Carroll Fitzhugh Smith: Support Services Agent
Scrutinizes Ann Smith’s support of Gerrit Smith’s human rights activism while acting as a “First Lady” in their home that served as a group therapy center for human rights activists.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Elizabeth Smith Miller: Quiet Advocate
Examines Elizabeth Smith Miller’s relationship with her cousin Elizabeth Cady Stanton and their work together for equal rights for women. For Miller the issues of dress reform, suffrage, and education for young women were primary, especially in collaboration with her daughter Anne Fitzhugh Miller.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Greene Smith: Rebel and Outdoorsman
Illustrates Greene Smith’s life as an example of the clash in the mid-1800s between religion and science – the sacred and secular. After achieving national recognition as an ornithologist and sportsman, Greene died at an early age.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Underground Railroad
Is an examination of the moral significance of the Underground Railroad as a process of achieving freedom, including reasons for escaping, the risks incurred, and the efficacy of the attempt to escape. This session will lead into Peterboro Juneteenth 2025 programming the following day.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Cousins of Reform: Smith and Stanton
Gerrit Smith and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were cousins and the two most powerful leaders of the two most important social movements for human rights in American history. Their close loving bond did not deter their strong political debates.
For more information email info@gerritsmith.org, call (315) 308-1890 or visit www. PeterboroNY.org.
Photo of Gerrit Smith by Mathew Brady.
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