In 1995 the National Park Service released a study recommending a stronger nationwide effort to preserve the historical monuments related to the Underground Railroad. In 1997 the New York State Legislature passed the Freedom Trail Act, which created the Freedom Trail Commission within the Education Department. The Commission was ordered to issue reports to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Board of Regents every year for five years beginning in 1999.
The Commission was ordered to "review and assist in the implementation of a master plan, in conjunction with Federal authorities, to protect, preserve, and promote understanding of the legacy and lessons of the Freedom Trail and Underground Railroad in New York State." The Commissioner of Education was also ordered to conduct a study on the Underground Railroad in New York State, a study which the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture was contracted to undertake. The report based on this study was delivered to the Freedom Trail Commission in October of 1999.
The Commission consists of twelve appointed members and seven ex officio members. Appointees include three members appointed by the Governor; three by the Board of Regents; two by the Temporary President of the Senate; one by the Senate minority leader; two by the Speaker of the Assembly; and one by the Assembly minority leader. Ex officio members include the Commissioner of Education; the Head of the State Museum; the Head of the State Archives; the Head of the Office of State History; the Commissioner of Economic Development; the Head of the State Tourism Advisory Council; and the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Appointed members serve a five-year term, and appoint one of their number to serve a three-year term as Chairman of the Commission.
From the New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY. Agency record NYSV2123699-a
