Celebrating Plymouth as a stop on the Underground Railroad

Byline:  Marcia Morris
Email:  mmorris@salmonpress.com

PLYMOUTH-- There could not have been a more fitting setting for a celebration of Plymouth’s role in the history of the Underground Railroad than the new Rotary Riverfront amphitheater on the banks of the Pemigewasset, located just north, and across the tracks form Plymouth’s Senior Center Train Depot. 

The open-air performance venue rang with the soul stirring sounds of the Plymouth State University Chamber Singers under the direction of Dan Perkins this past Saturday afternoon, as Friends of the Arts sponsored the last performance in a series of “Freedom Train” programs for the season. 

In April the Friends sponsored a Theaterworks USA performance of a play entitled The Adventures of Harriet Tubman, which came on the heels of an annual gallery art exhibit focusing on the theme of Plymouth’s role in the Underground Railroad. 

The African American spiritual  “Wade in the Water” came to life against the backdrop of the rushing river, and threatening storm clouds overhead gave way to bright sunshine as the students sang “The Storm is Passing Over”.

“That’s the power of music,” remarked one student after the performance.

Phil Gossell and Steve Rand from the Plymouth Rotary Club welcomed everyone to the amphitheater at the start of the program.  Friends of the Arts President Matt Kizer then introduced Dr. John Krueckeberg from the Plymouth State University Social Sciences Department who gave an overview of Plymouth’s role in the Underground Railroad.

“The Underground Railroad was part of a system developed by a lot of Americans who were willing to break the law and work hard to make America a better place by ending the scourge of slavery,” said Prof. Krueckeberg.  “We have one of these lawbreakers here in town, in terms of our history. His name was Nathaniel P. Rogers.”

Prof. Krueckeberg went on to describe the role of Rogers in sheltering escaped slaves who came through Plymouth en route to Canada, where slavery was illegal and bounty hunters unable to pursue fugitive slaves.

“It is estimated that as many as 100,000 Americans escaped slavery under terrible conditions and were hunted down by bounty hunters.  They welcomed any help they could get,” commented Prof. Krueckeberg.   In the early 1800s the Roger’s home was a stop on the Underground Railroad to freedom.  The historic house was originally located on the site that is now the Plymouth State University Silver Center for the Arts.

“Because he was breaking the law, he didn’t leave any records or publicize his work, because six years in prison was the usual sentence for helping slaves to escape,” explained Krueckeberg.  “Consequently, we don’t really know how many slaves may have passed through Plymouth, but it is a piece of Plymouth history that we can be proud of, because Nathaniel P. Rogers risked his own livelihood to help them on their way to freedom.”

“But not everyone in New Hampshire was an abolitionist like Nathanial P. Rogers,” said Prof. Krueckeberg.  Rogers was later “run out of Plymouth” for inviting free African Americans to participate with the townspeople in the 1835 Fourth of July festivities. He moved to Concord and for many years published the important abolitionist newspaper The Herald of Freedom. 

“We can be proud of Nathaniel P. Rogers for doing the right thing in the face of something as morally reprehensible as slavery,” said Krueckeberg.  “I hope that as we listen to the sounds of spirituals this afternoon, we resolve to embrace the cause of freedom which is so essential to the story of America.”

A highlight of the afternoon was the stunning performance of the Plymouth State University Contemporary Dance Ensemble presenting “Discordance” choreographed by Mackenzie Perra and a solo piece, entitled “Let Her Go” choreographed and performed by Tonya White. 

Friends of the Arts will resume its regular schedule of community programs with Plymouth’s 24th annual Fall Art show on the Common, on Saturday, October 4, 2009.  The Exhibit is scheduled in conjunction with the annual Pease Public Library Book Sale. With luck, there will be another performance taking place at the Rotary amphitheater.  Mark your calendars for what is sure to be another rewarding day of art and music in the open air.