Governor George Pataki established the New York State Heritage Commission under an Executive Order in February 2001 to oversee Heritage New York. The program was established to preserve, interpret and celebrate the priceless legacy of the state's rich history. It coordinates the administration and stewardship of the state's historical collection and explore opportunities for greater public access.

To date, five heritage trails have been announced. They include the Revolutionary War, Underground Railroad, Theodore Roosevelt, Women's and Labor Heritage Trail.

* Promote heritage tourism through web sites, brochures, kiosks and press events.

* Create links among thematic properties through web sites, brochures, uniform and consistent signage, and kiosksand seek opportunities to integrate sites into local and regional tourism and recreational efforts.

* Explore opportunities to utilize the state's historical collection in an effort to enhance the heritage trail activities.

At one of the forums in New York City, Richard White-Smith, Executive Director of Heritage New York, explained another of the objectives was to create high quality tourism destinations. He displayed samples of durable, exterior signs that would be consistent and recognizable for sites across the state.

Mr. White-Smith noted that Underground Railroad sites are still in their "infancy." He said the program is eager to include as many sites as possible and is discussing how best to use the one million dollar matching grant program. "It is not a lot for the entire state," he acknowledged.

Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations, including churches, that own or operate an eligible Underground Railroad building may apply for funding, according to a draft of the Guiding Principles of the program. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can initiate and complete the project work on a timely basis and they must focus on site interpretation as their primary project.

The draft also recognizes that although the Underground Railroad was an inter-racial endeavor, at its core it is the story of the African-American journey from bondage to freedom. It considers the African-American perspective is critical to shaping the understanding and interpretation of this story.

The speaker at the forum was Christopher Moore, Research Coordinator and Curator, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Mr. Moore has recently been involved in work on the African-American Burial Ground in Manhattan, and estimated the remains are much, much bigger than the 419 found.

He managed "to blow through 300 years of New York City African-American history in about 20 minutes," with the use of slides, maps and humor. Mr. Moore concluded that New York City "is very important to the Underground Railroad process."

The designers of an inter-active web site explained they looked at the Underground Railroad as part of United States history and a symbol and metaphor for freedom. They plan to include the stories of key individuals, the black churches where fugitives were aided by clergy and congregations, and curriculum plans for teachers.

Routes, a very important topic, will be displayed with inter-active maps. Historical and contemporary exhibits will definitely include "story quilts" which were a major form of communication.

The forum concluded with public discussion and comments. A forum related to the Hudson River Valley was held next day at Stewart Airport.