The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center continues its History Lecture Series on Thursday at 7 p.m., with Underground Chautauqua: Three Freedom Trails, a new documentary that provides an animated tour of the county map following the networks and people of the Underground Railroad. This screening will be the film’s premiere and will be followed by a Q&A.

In Underground Chautauqua: Three Freedom Trails, the audience travels with four narrators around Chautauqua County, exploring three trail systems. Nicholas Gunner, Saundra Liggins, Jennifer Hildebrand, and Elijah Toro guide the viewer through the late Doug Shepard’s extensive research into the facts and myths about the people who escaped slavery through Chautauqua’s hills and the plains of Lake Erie.

As they traversed these three trail systems, freedom seekers likely felt both hope and apprehension. The capture of Harrison Williams in the Southern Tier reminds us how precarious their position remained.

Because laws that forbade assistance to refugees made it dangerous for local families to provide food, shelter, clothing, and transportation, they often kept their actions a secret, and did what they could to promote the speedy movement of freedom seekers.

Chautauqua County has a unique collection of Underground Railroad documents. There are newspaper accounts about Harrison Williams’ capture, as well as primary source accounts from “conductors” Catherine Harris and Eber Pettit.

The film also features the records of “agent” Judge Foote, and the record of “conductor” Benjamin Vincent’s “stockholders,” including both men and women.

The Ellington Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society’s list of gifts for freedom seekers reminds us that other Western New York women also shared in the mission of the Underground Railroad. Church records and petitions to Congress are further evidence of the antislavery sentiment of hundreds of Chautauqua County men and women.The documentary runs roughly 50 minutes, and the production team will answer audience questions afterward. Underground Chautauqua was produced in support of the Chautauqua County Anti-Slavery Map, which is online through the Office of County Historian Michelle Henry. Viewers should note the film contains some gently blinking lights used as map indicators which may affect photosensitive viewers.

Visual production is by Nicholas Gunner, of Orbitist LLC. Admission is free, although donations to the Opera House are gratefully accepted at the door.

The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing impaired. Access and seating are available for the mobility impaired. For devices and access arrangements, speak with any usher or staff member or call ahead of time to the Box Office at 716/679-1891. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.

Located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia, the Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center. Its mission is to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming.”