Panel Discussion: The Continuing Revolution for All New Yorkers

Not all New Yorkers experienced the freedoms promised by the American Revolution. Join panelists Paul and Mary Liz Stewart of the Underground Railroad Education Center (UREC), New York State Museum Chief Curator Dr. Jennifer Lemak, and Senior Historian of Social History Ashley Hopkins-Benton as they discuss the ongoing work needed to bring equal rights to all communities. Recorded October 22, 2023. Huxley Theater, New York State Museum

About the Presenters:
Paul Stewart has served in the non-profit field for over 50 years. He is the co-founder, with Mary Liz Stewart, of the Underground Railroad Education Center. His work focuses on educational programming and initiatives supporting the work of the UREC, as well as the restoration of the historic home of Stephen and Harriet Myers, the headquarters for the UREC.

Mary Liz Stewart has an active background supporting nonprofit organizations, cultural heritage organizations, and museums. As the co-founder of the UREC, she focuses on community and broader outreach initiatives to implement and present programs and build community engagement, and oversees a dynamic and active volunteer base to implement the mission of the UREC.

Dr. Jennifer Lemak is the chief curator for the New York State Museum. Her major exhibition and publication projects include the exhibit and catalogue, Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial and the book, Southern Life, Northern City: The History of Albany’s Rapp Road. Along with overseeing the State Museum’s Department of History, Dr. Lemak’s current research includes the history of the Equal Rights Amendment in New York State.

Ashley Hopkins-Benton is senior historian and curator of social history for the State Museum. Her major exhibition and publication projects include the exhibit and catalogue, Votes for Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial. Her research and collections work primarily focuses on women’s history and women’s rights history, LGBTQ+ history, immigration, and religion.