Luzerne County Community College Hosts 33rd Annual Pennsylvania History Conference: "Abolitionism in Pennsylvania"

Luzerne County Community College brought Pennsylvania's abolitionist history to life during the 33rd Annual Pennsylvania History Conference, held Monday, October 13, at the College's Educational Conference Center. The daylong event, themed "Abolitionism in Pennsylvania,"highlighted the Commonwealth's pivotal role in the movement to end slavery and promote human rights.*

Faculty members, regional historians, students, and community guests gathered for a series of presentations examining Pennsylvania's deep connections to the anti-slavery movement--from early Quaker activism to the Underground Railroad and the prominent figures who led the fight for freedom.

Dr. Janis Wilson-Seeley, Professor and Chair of LCCC's Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, opened the program, followed by remarks from Assistant Professor Martha Pezzino, who served as the conference director.

"History is personal?and Pennsylvania history is personal to all of us because we live it every day," Pezzino said. "Each year, we choose a theme that helps us explore who we are and where we come from. This year's focus on abolitionism reminds us of the people and movements in our own state who stood up against injustice."

The conference featured several scholarly presentations, including "Abolition in the Keystone State: Pennsylvania and the Abolitionist Movement, 1760?1860" by William Evans; "The Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania: Transportation to Freedom" by Beth Ann Mazaika; "The Grimke Sisters: From Southern Plantation Family to Pennsylvania Abolitionists" by Richelle Smith; and "Picking up the Torch: William Thomas, The 1853 Fugitive Slave Case, and a Still Forgotten Moment in Northeast Pennsylvania" by Hank Hunsinger.

Pezzino noted that the conference offered both historical and moral lessons for today's audiences. "We learn about the institution of slavery and the people who risked everything to end it," she said. "It's not an easy topic, but it's essential that we understand its harsh realities--and the courage it took to fight against it. When we study these stories, we can see patterns in history and take steps to ensure they are never repeated."

Richelle Smith, who presented on the Grimké sisters, said the subject matter is especially meaningful to her as both an educator and historian. "My own research in women's history began with the study of abolitionism," Smith explained. "A lot of people don't realize how central Pennsylvania was to this movement. Our geography?just north of the Mason-Dixon Line?made the Commonwealth a key route for the Underground Railroad and a safe haven for those seeking freedom."

Smith described the Underground Railroad as "a network of courage," where local conductors guided enslaved people from "station to station" under cover of night toward freedom in northern states and Canada. "Figures like William Still, Lucretia Mott, and the Grimké sisters made Pennsylvania a place of hope," she said. "They remind us that moral conviction can drive real change."

Throughout the day, participants engaged in discussions connecting historical abolitionism with modern issues of human rights and freedom. The LCCC Admissions Department also hosted a luncheon presentation, introducing prospective students to the College's programs in history, education, and social sciences.

Pezzino reflected on the conference's impact, emphasizing the power of historical understanding to inspire progress. "When we study our past, we're really learning how to build a better future," she said. "The stories of abolitionism in Pennsylvania are about courage, conviction, and compassion--and those lessons still matter today."

The annual Pennsylvania History Conference is part of LCCC's ongoing commitment to providing free, public programming that celebrates the state's heritage and promotes lifelong learning.