Rochester has a rich but often overlooked tradition of anti-slavery activism that it shares with Leeds, U.K. These cities were linked by correspondence and shared activism, forming a transatlantic connection that challenged slavery and promoted freedom. 

Rochester, New York was home to Frederick Douglass from 1847 to 1872. The formerly enslaved activist and founder of The North Star anti-slavery newspaper made repeated visits to Leeds, U.K., beginning in 1846, strengthening ties between abolitionists in the industrial North of England and reformers in the United States. 

In 1853, the Leeds Anti-Slavery Association was founded at The Leeds Library, led by Quakers Mary and Wilson Armistead, with women playing a central role. The Armisteads were part of a wider transatlantic network, hosting Ellen and William Craft in 1851 while the couple lectured in Britain. 

Together, we’ll explore these intertwined histories of Leeds and Rochester, hear from academics and archivists, and channel the spirit of transatlantic collaboration to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of Black history, abolitionist networks, and the role of libraries and archives in preserving these stories. 

The event ties in with Frederick Douglass Day, a celebration of the Black anti-slavery campaigner. This Edit-a-thon is a partnership between the University of Rochester and the University of Leeds. Together, we’ll explore these intertwined histories and channel the spirit of transatlantic collaboration to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of Black history, abolitionist networks, and the role of libraries and archives in preserving these stories. 

This workshop is also part of the University of Rochester’s Love Data Month 2026, run by the Data Services Team, and co-hosted by Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation. Please note that you can come and go from this workshop as you please! It is okay to leave early, come late, or to stay for only a short time.