POTSDAM -- A presentation on local history, “The Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad in St. Lawrence County” that was slated for Sept. 10 has been moved to the new date of Sept. 17 at 7 p.m., due to inclement weather.

The forecast for this outdoor event looks good for the new date, according to event organizers at the Potsdam Presbyterian Church and Black Lives Matter Potsdam.

If the weather holds, the talk will be held outdoors on the church grounds at 42 Elm St., Potsdam and will share the local history of St Lawrence County's role in helping former slaves escape from the South via the infamous Underground Railroad.

This presentation by local author and DeKalb Town Historian Bryan Thompson will look at the development of the abolitionist movement in the area and examine their support for freedom seekers as they passed through the area.

In 1834 an Antislavery society was established in Bucks Bridge and in 1848 Preston King of Ogdensburg was the only Freesoil Democrat elected to the U.S. Congress in Upstate New York. King was one of the residents of St Lawrence county who were early and ardent supporters of the abolitionist cause. An abolitionist firebrand, he attacked slavery relentlessly.

This educational event is free and open to the public, with free-will donations accepted. It will be held outdoors at nightfall on the church lawn. provided there is no rain.

Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and to bring a lawn chair. Masks and social distancing requirements will be applied.

In the event of poor weather, the event will be livestreamed only, with no audience participation, on the Facebook page for the First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam, NY. The event can be viewed on that page regardless of weather, and updates to the event will be posted there as well.

Contact blm.noco@gmail.com for more information.