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JPL Celebrates Black History

jplAt his death, Jericho’s own Quaker preacher Elias Hicks (1748-1830) was honored by the African Benevolent Society of New York for his heroic fight for the abolition of slavery.

In 1810, a half century before the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, Elias wrote a 24-page pamphlet condemning slavery and the use of all goods produced by slave labor. The Quakers were prominent figures in the fight for universal freedom and were a part of the Underground Railroad.

The Jackson Malcolm House on Old Jericho Turnpike provided refuge to runaway slaves prior to the Civil War. The now closed Maine Maid Inn has an alleged hiding place in the attic dating back to the 19th century Underground Railroad days and was a popular attraction.

Stop outside the Jericho Public Library’s Local History Room to see books, photos and memorabilia on this topic from the JPL Local History Collection in the display case all throughout February.