Solomon Northup - Historiography

Historiography

Northup's memoir was reprinted in 1869, but over time his story was overlooked. The growth of works in social history and African-American studies in the late 20th century brought it to light again. A newly annotated version of his memoir was published in 1968. In 1984, a made-for-TV movie, based on Northup's memoir, was directed by Gordon Parks.

In 1998 a team of students at Union College in Schenectady, New York, with their political science professor Clifford Brown, undertook a project to document Northup's historic narrative. "They gathered photographs, family trees, bills of sale, maps and hospital records on a trail through New York, Washington and Louisiana." Their exhibit of this material was held at the college's Nott Memorial building. In 2001, the City Council of Saratoga Springs, under the leadership of former Mayor Ken Klotz (D), inaugurated Solomon Northup Day as the third Saturday in July. Many Northup family descendants attend the event. Renee Moore conceived directed and coordinated this event in the city for a decade. The event was recently adopted as an annual celebration by the City of Saratoga Springs as part of the Heritage Program at the city's Visitors Center. (See below) The Smithsonian Institution, the Anacostia Museum, and the National Park Service Network to Freedom Project have also recognized Ms. Moore's Program. 'Solomon Northup Day – a Celebration of Freedom' continues annually in the City of Saratoga Springs, and also in Plattsburgh with the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association.