Author and singer/songwriter duo perform songs about central figures from the Underground Railroad at Vassar College, April 23

Ann Hagedorn, journalist and author, and Allen Schwartz, songwriter and musician, will give a performance combining readings from Hagedorn's "Beyond the River: The Untold Story of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad" and original songs based on the book on Wednesday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Vassar College. Schwartz's songs are artfully interwoven with excerpts from Hagedorn's book, bringing to life the drama of the Underground Railroad in Ripley, Ohio, and the courageous men and women, both black and white, who participated in this distinctly American movement.

Hagedorn has been a staff writer for several newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Daily News, has taught at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism and at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, and is the author of two previous books, "Wild Ride: The Rise and Tragic Fall of Calumet Farm, Inc." and "Ransom: The Untold Story of International Kidnapping." In writing "Beyond the River," she used 19th century trial records, diaries, letters, unpublished memoirs, old newspapers, and even tombstones to document the bravery of the people of Ripley, who, led by abolitionist minister John Rankin, guided hundreds of slaves to freedom during the four decades leading up to the Civil War.

Schwartz, whose friendship with Hagedorn dates back to their college days at Denison University, has been writing songs for more than 30 years. He plays the guitar, mandolin, violin, dulcimer, and concertina, and has performed at universities and conferences as well as in cafes and theaters throughout North America, Mexico, and Europe. After reading "Beyond the River," Schwartz was inspired to write songs depicting the struggle and courage of those working to bring equality and freedom to all Americans.

The performance is sponsored by the Department of English and the Office of the Dean of the Faculty and is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Vassar College Department of English at (845) 437-5650. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings, Office of Campus Activities, (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request reasonable and appropriate accommodations for the event.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2003.