PETERBORO — This fall the famous Welsh-American Abolitionist, Robert Everett, will be inducted into the National Abolitionist Hall of Fame, 5255 Pleasant Valley Road.

According to NAHOF, the Rev. Robert Everett came to America in 1823 from North Wales and immediately became involved with the anti-slavery movement. He was a minister who sent his children to integrated schools and preached locally against slavery.

In 1840 he became famous worldwide for publishing his anti-slavery newspaper, “Y Cenhadwr Americanaidd.” He also was involved in translating Uncle Tom’s cabin and other abolitionist works into Welsh. His later work involved being a stationmaster in the Underground Railroad and supporter of the Union war effort.

By the time of his death in 1876, he was regarded as the greatest influence in having the Welsh-Americans become supporters of the anti-slavery movement.

The NAHOF Induction Weekend begins at 7 p.m. Friday,
Oct. 21, with an evening of Welsh music and poetry in honor of Everett. The evening program is a medley of selections offered by those who admire Everett’s legacy.

E. Wyn James, a professor in the School of Welsh at Cardiff University, Wales, is an authority on the hymn, the broadside ballad, and the literature of evangelicalism and will offer introductions to the event.

Peter Everett from Milford, Connecticut, is the steward of the Everett family papers of which he will briefly speak, and he will introduce Everett family members.

Anneilise Gingrow, a harpist with a Welsh playbook, will perform. The Lingo Family Singers who sing at the Welsh Church in Nelson, New York and at Hugh Humphreys’ musical programs at induction weekends, will sing hymns.

Robert Everett edited a Welsh-language hymnal, “Caniadau y Cysegr,” which went to three editions; the third edition was published in Remsen in 1866.

Ted Engle, the facilitator of Robert Everett’s nomination, and John Bowen M.D., a member of the NAHOF Induction Committee, are preparing Everett readings. Jerry Hunter, Ph.D., who is Robert Everett’s biographer, will be speaking through a film from Bangor University in Northern Wales.

Rev. Robert Everett was nominated to the Hall of Fame by a collection of Welsh people and organizations from the Remsen-Steuben area in Oneida County, professors from Wales, and Everett descendants who will be coming to the induction from the states of Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Ohio, Missouri, Massachusetts, and Minnesota to second their ancestor’s public nomination Saturday night at 7 p.m.

This year Calvin Fairbank and Stephen Meyers will join Everett in becoming members of the Hall of Fame which include such icons as Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Tubman, and John Brown.

More about NAHOF

Central New York was known for its support for the anti-slavery movement. According to NAHOF, in the early 1800’s, this region was considered the “edge of the frontier” and became the site of the religious revivalist movement called the “Second Great Awakening.” From this early influence the region became the center for both the new abolitionist movement and the emerging women’s suffrage movement.

Peterboro was selected as the site of the Abolitionist Hall of Fame as it is the home of Gerrit Smith — an early leader and financial supporter of the abolition movement — and the site of the first meeting place of the New York Anti-slavery Society. His estate was designated as a National Historic Site in 2001. Since 2005, every two years a new class of inductees are added to the Hall of Fame.

A series of events for induction weekend will take place Oct. 21-23.

Visit nationalabolitionhalloffameandmuseum.org for more information, and visit saintdavidssociety.org to learn about a Utica group dedicated to preserving the Welsh heritage of Central New York.