The museum will highlight the history of African Americans who settled in the Southern Tier of New York and the activity of local abolitionists. The museum will emphasize Elmira’s role as the only regular agency and published station on the Underground Railroad between Philadelphia and St. Catherine, Canada, and explore Mr. Jones’ community involvement and his relationship with his contemporaries. Historically, the house was the private residence of John W. Jones and his family, changed ownership several times, and was last used as rental property that fell into disrepair. Condemned by the City of Elmira in 1997, Lucy Brown brought it to the public’s attention and with a group of concerned citizens, saved it from demolition. The building currently stands on Jones’ original farm property and the site will continue to be visually interpreted as a farm.
