for Educators

Flight to Freedom–Rochester’s Underground Railroad

Grade 3-8 | Follow the North Star on a journey from slavery, to the doors of abolitionists, and on to freedom during this Underground Railroad Immersion Experience in our Flight to Freedom exhibition.

  • Museum & Science Center
  • Guided Exhibit Workshops, Virtual Experiences
  • 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Teacher/Adult
  • Social Studies

Exhibit Workshop (Docent program) OR Virtual Experience

Follow the North Star as you travel the long and treacherous road to freedom in this guided tour of our Flight to Freedom exhibition. This tour focuses on the roles, strategies, and achievements of freedom seekers and abolitionists in ending the practice of enslavement in the United States. The experience highlights famous abolitionists who called Rochester home and examines our city’s position during this pivotal period of American history. Students will discuss the importance of primary sources in interpreting history, the role of literacy in emancipation, the intersection of the abolition, suffrage, and temperance movements, and how Rochester’s legacy of progressivism continues today. Building on the work of those who came before, students will be encouraged to use the resources, privilege, and skills available to them to help freedom seekers in their communities and to fight for the abolition of modern-day forms of enslavement.

Thanks to Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Vision Auto Group for their support of this program!

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Connects with-
New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) & Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

  • 4.5a There were slaves in New York State. People worked to fight against slavery and for change.
  • 7.2e Over the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, slavery grew in the colonies. Enslaved Africans utilized a variety of strategies to both survive and resist their conditions.
  • 7.7b Enslaved African Americans resisted slavery in various ways in the 19th century. The abolitionist movement also worked to raise awareness of and generate resistance to the institution of slavery.

How To Book

Need More Information?

  • Contact: Guest Services
  • Phone: 585-697-1942
  • Email: gr****************@**sc.org

When Is It?

  • Days Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Start Date: 09/15/2026
  • End Date: 06/26/2027
  • Program Length: 50 minutes
  • Earliest Start Time: 10am

Who Should Attend?

  • Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, Teacher/Adult
  • Minimum Attendance: 15
  • Maximum Attendance: 25

How Much Does It Cost?

  • In-person: $10/student to visit, plus $6/student for hands-on program.

    All teachers and school personnel are free.

    All non-school adult chaperones are $10/person at each location. We recommend a ratio of 1 adult per 5 students.

    RMSC adult members are free

    EBT card holders qualify for the Museums for All discount for Museum & Science Center field trips. $3/adult card holder

    Virtual: $150 for 1-30 people per session
  • Minimum Student Charge: 15 students for in-person program