Norman K. Dann PhD, researcher and biographer of members of the Gerrit Smith family of Peterboro, continues the Gerrit Smith Family Series with The Era and the Issues on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Smithfield Community Center, 5255 Pleasant Valley Road, Peterboro NY 13134.
The Era and the Issues is a survey of social life in 19th Century America with emphasis placed on racism and sexism. The 1830 – 1860 Reform Era of American history stimulated public interest in implementing the Golden Rule. The Gerrit and Ann Smith family of Peterboro modeled the goal of treating all persons equitably as they worked to minimize social bias by developing social movements for the abolition of slavery and the recognition of equal rights for women. Their emphasis on a prejudice-free evaluation of all persons provides a moral base for a peaceful society. 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 the 2025 theme of Enslavement in New York State.
The series of eight two hour sessions take place at the Smithfield Community Center, 5255 Pleasant Valley Road, Peterboro NY 13134 from 4 pm to 6 pm. from May 7 to June 25.
The public is invited to partake of one, a few, or all of the sessions. Admission is by donation of cash, check, or credit card.
For more information and updates: info@gerritsmith.org and 315.308.1890