Ask a Long Islander today about the name Hicks and they are likely to tell you it's the name of a nursery in Nassau County. The answer, while true, does not tell the tale of the importance of Elias Hicks, whose descendants operate the well-known garden business, and his fellow Quakers as they helped bring about the abolition of slavery. Throughout the communities of what is today Long Island, there are tracks laid as part of the Underground Railroad, the movement that brought escaped slaves to freedom. From Port Washington in the North to Wantagh in the South to Smithtown in the East, Long Island played a vibrant role in the march to freedom. Some former slaves even established permanent communities across the island. Visit the safe houses, many which are still standing today and explore the journey of runaway slaves on Long Island. Registration begins Tuesday, November 12th at the Reference Desk.
