As a small band of settlers platted Westfield in 1834, they also laid the foundation for the town's place in the Underground Railroad. Inside homes and barns, residents tucked hiding spots in cellars and attics for Black people escaping slavery in the South.

Some of those buildings with their secret nooks still stand — and they'll be just a short distance from the new high-profile development where Westfield's Underground Railroad efforts will be honored by a large-scale, interactive, light-based public artwork. The city is working with Ganggang , the cultural development firm behind the Butter fine art fair, on the project.

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