In a time when history is being erased, this project was chosen for it's commitment to education and celebrating Peekskill's historic role in the Underground Railroad.

For Juneteenth 2026, Sisters in Support, Inc. will host an immersive "Living History" journey that transforms Peekskill’s streets into an open-air classroom. This project scales our long-standing tour into a high-impact, four-site bus and walking experience connecting NYC, Peekskill and the Hudson Valley.
The Four-Site Journey:

McGregors Brook: A vital stop where we discuss how freedom seekers used the water to mislead trackers and dogs.

The Hawley Green House (1112 Main St.): Participants visit the preserved home of Black abolitionists Hawley and Harriet Green, a documented safe house used to hide runaway slaves in the 1830s.

AME Zion Church: This 1852 sanctuary, built on land donated by Quakers, features a historic hideaway cupboard under the steps once used to conceal freedom seekers.

The Henry Ward Beecher Estate: The tour concludes at the home of the legendary abolitionist preacher, highlighting the interracial network that established Peekskill as a major gateway for liberty.
The "Awesome" Factor: Stitched in Secret Art Presentation
The heart of this project is a specialized Art & Quilt Presentation. We will showcase handcrafted quilts that serve as more than art; they are visual records of the clandestine "quilt codes" used to signal safe routes, landmarks, and weather conditions to those on the journey to freedom.

Direct Impact: This grant specifically funds the logistics to make this history accessible. By providing bus transportation, we ensure that seniors with limited mobility and local youth can participate in the full four-site circuit. Our goal is to inspire attendees to imagine the struggles, hardships, and immense courage of freedom seekers while celebrating the successful legacy of our ancestors.