New York State Freedom Train
Inspired by the national Freedom Train (1947-1949), the New York State Freedom Train visited towns and cities throughout New York in 1949 and 1950. The train pulled three exhibit cars containing 83 documents from over 300 years of New York State history.
The documents displayed on the train reflect New York State's unending fight for freedom for all citizens and represent the theme of "Unfinished Revolutions" highlighted by New York State's 250th Commemoration Field Guide.
Learn how a visit to the national Bicentennial Freedom Train impacted NYS Regent Norwood as a child.
From the Freedom Train publication's introduction:
"It is fitting for us, in this day of many 'isms, to open a book which reprints the precious documents that tell the March of Freedom in New York State.
The story these pages unfold is simple and sincere. The documents have been arranged so that you, the reader, may see how freedom - sometimes through trial and error, in violence and in peace - comes down to us as a living force in our everyday life. The objective of the New York State Freedom Train is to provide a "university on wheels," which as it tours the State will give every student, and adult person, the opportunity to see and study firsthand the original documents of his heritage.
This official book is designed as a "primer" to aid this study; it reproduces faithfully the documents - some yellowed with age; others scarred by fire - as they are shown on the train, and identifies them with a few salient facts and dates. No effort has. been made to editorialize or to give opinion. This right is reserved for the reader." - Gerald H. Salisbury, Chairman of the New York State Freedom Train Commission.
This online resource seeks to retain the original order and intention of the Freedom Train exhibit. It has been left to you, the reader, to interpret and find meaning in these documents.