ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) – C-TRAN is teaming up with the Elmira Economic Opportunity Program to provide free bus tours to highlight the local history of the Underground Railroad.

The tours will take place Saturday, June 19 during the EOP’s Juneteenth celebration. The 25-minute narrated tour will highlight the history of the Underground Railroad in Elmira, including John W. Jones’ involvement.

John Jones escaped slavery and settled in Elmira, New York. He then worked as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, helping roughly 800 slaves find safe passage to Canada. His home now serves as a museum commemorating his life and can be found at 1250 Davis Street in Elmira. It is open weekends from June 19 through August 31.

On Saturday, June 19, the bus tours will originate every half hour at Ernie Davis Park from 1:00 – 3:30. Those wishing to rite should visit the C-Tran table at Ernie Davis Park on Juneteenth to sign up for the tour.