Underground Railroad Presentation at Watch & Clock Museum Draws 100

Brad Chambers hosted the presentation, "Underground Abolition" at Columbia's National Watch  & Clock Museum on Sunday evening. 

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Columbia's National Watch & Clock Museum was the backdrop Sunday evening for “Underground Abolition," a symposium focused on Columbia's role in the Underground Railroad.

The event was organized and sponsored by Columbian Brad Chambers, a 2026 candidate for Pennsylvania State House. About 100 people assembled to learn about the history of the Underground Railroad and its connection to Columbia.

Columbia Borough Councilwoman Barbara Fisher read a proclamation designating September 2025 as Underground Railroad Month in Columbia.

Columbia Borough Councilwoman Barbara Fisher kicked off the proceedings by reading a proclamation declaring September 2025 as "National Underground Railroad Month in the Borough of Columbia." The proclamation noted that the Underground Railroad "played a significant role in the eradication of slavery in the United States and became a cornerstone for a more comprehensive civil rights movement that followed."

Local historian Cindy Beaston explained why September was chosen as “International Underground Railroad Month.”

Local historian Cindy Beaston explained that September is “International Underground Railroad Month” because it's the month that Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas found freedom in the North. Beaston noted that Columbia's network of tunnels aided escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.

 The Mt. Zion AME Church choir provided musical interludes.

Throughout the event, the Mt. Zion AME Church choir provided musical interludes with songs of faith and freedom.

Professor emeritus Leroy Hopkins spoke about the Black community's role in the Underground Railroad.

Professor emeritus Leroy Hopkins spoke about the Black community's role in the Underground Railroad. “The Underground Railroad's not possible without the Black community,” he said. He noted that African-American entrepreneurs Stephen Smith (who owned a successful business in Columbia) and William Whipper played pivotal roles.

Reverend Dr. Patricia McAllister: "As we look to the future together, we must dismantle the evil systems of this world.” [Columbia Spy file photo]

Reverend Dr. Patrcia McAllister senior pastor at the Mt. Zion AME Church, spoke about social justice. “We can't change what happened in the past, but we can change what we do moving forward," she said. "As we look to the future together, we must dismantle the evil systems of this world.”

The program concluded with the audience holding hands and joining the choir in song.