The Sojourner Truth Pop-Up Trail, created in collaboration by Scenic Hudson, Black History Month Kingston, Harambee, and other community partners, shares the life and legacy of the fearless abolitionist and pioneer of civil and women’s rights. The six panels walk visitors through key moments in Truth’s life that shaped her destiny in working to change the course of American history. The trail was designed to be a mobile installation for shared public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, community pathways, etc. The series of signs come together to transform spaces into a temporary educational/interpretive trail.

Born in Ulster County, Sojourner Truth was enslaved until age 29, when she walked 11 miles to freedom, carrying her infant daughter. For the remainder of her long life, she was committed to securing freedom and justice for others. “I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me,” she said.

While this trail does not trace Sojourner Truth’s route to freedom, it does celebrate her generous spirit, and we hope it will inspire others to follow in her courageous footsteps.

Interested in hosting this pop-up trail at a site or event? Email us at info@scenichudson.org.

Sojourner Truth Today

In 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled a bust of Sojourner Truth in the U.S. Capitol to recognize her invaluable contributions to securing equality and justice for all. More recently, Truth’s enduring legacy has been recognized in a number of meaningful ways in Ulster County.

At Shaupeneak Ridge Preserve in Esopus, on land Truth likely passed during her walk to freedom, Scenic Hudson created a trail honoring her life — the basis for the Pop-Up Trail.

In 2021, thanks to the hard work of youth activists who came together at the Kingston YMCA Farm Project, Ulster County designated November 26 as Sojourner Truth Day. (New York’s Senate has passed legislation to expand the recognition statewide.)

And in February 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the new state park in the City of Kingston and Town of Ulster would be named after Truth. Speaking at the official opening of Sojourner Truth State Park two months later, Barbara Allen, Truth’s sixth-generation granddaughter, noted that “She may have left, but her spirit is always here.”