Author’s passion for Erie Canal comes to life in 'Dreams of Freedom'
CANASTOTA — A local woman has brought her passion for the Erie Canal to life in a book inspired by her father, her love of New York state, and her Irish descent.
Marilyn Higgins, 72, grew up in East Syracuse and spent her career in economic development, serving as chief economic development officer for Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation/National Grid and later as vice president of economic development and community engagement at Syracuse University.
Though her work focused on revitalizing communities, her true passion has always been uncovering and sharing Central New York’s rich history, which ultimately inspired her to write “Dreams of Freedom.” Higgins recounted hearing captivating tales and witnessing the enigmatic relics of upstate New York’s Erie Canal communities during her tenure at National
Grid. Her fascination with these places, where new religions were born and waves of immigrants, abolitionism, women’s rights, and Haudenosaunee culture, entwined in the 19th century, continues. “Imagining the life of a young Irish woman in search of her lost family along the Erie Canal at a time when the area was a hotbed of dissent and the critical last leg of escape on the underground railroad,” she says, energized her in the writing of her novel.
A 20-year volunteer with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Higgins is currently working with the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum and her home community of Canastota to promote the Abolitionist Freedom Walk, a
public reenactment of the storied 1835 canal journey and march of 1904 abolitionists up a steep nine-mile embankment to the Hamlet of Peterboro to form the New York Anti-Slavery Society.
As a young girl, Higgins loved writing poetry. Throughout her career, she focused on business writing and never imagined having the time to write a novel. However, after three and a half years of dedication, she completed “Dreams of Freedom,” which was released in late October 2024. The book presents factual information woven into a fictional story, making it more engaging and easier to absorb. Higgins expresses her gratitude to illustrator Sarah Wiley Joyce, whose stunning artwork brings the story to life.
Higgins’ Irish heritage played a significant role in inspiring her to write “Dreams of Freedom” — as did her father. His family were tenant farmers overlooking the Erie Canal, and as a young girl, she grew up hearing his stories about life along the waterway. One particularly memorable story for Higgins was about cutting up ice, bringing it to their home, and packing it in sawdust to keep vegetables cold through the winter. She believes her father, Marty Higgins, would be incredibly proud that she wrote a book about something so meaningful to him. “It is all a part of what made me write this book,” says Higgins. “I do feel that my experience as a young girl with the Erie Canal made me who I am today and brought me into the professions I did. I’m fascinated by these little towns and villages. I think my father made me open and interested to people in these little canal towns.”
Higgins wanted to create a compelling and accessible story that would captivate readers. “I wanted to write a really engrossing story, a good read, something not so intellectual,” she says. “I am happy that most of the people that have read it said that it was an easy read, and they couldn’t put it down.” She is also passionate about shedding light on the historical significance of the Erie Canal. “I literally think this little piece of land and water in our backyard is the most unheralded thing. I believe that Upstate New York deserves more attention. I think we shaped the nation, and not a lot of people know about it.
The Erie Canal spawned a lot of religions that are thriving today.” Higgins further explains, “7 million immigrants came to the United States through the Erie Canal. New York City would not have been the premier port of the USA if it wasn’t for the Erie Canal. It made New York the center of commerce — how goods and money could come into New York state. It all happened because of the Erie Canal feeding New York City. I want people to finish my book and feel a great sense of pride in our local history.”
When asked about one of the most intriguing discoveries she made during her research, Higgins shares, “One of the most interesting unknown facts I discovered was the fact that there were large African American farm communities before the passage of the fugitive slave law. There was a settlement called Florence near Central Square, which was close to Camden, that had 80 African American farming families. The African American farming community was funded by Gerrit Smith.” She adds, “I received this information from a social studies teacher at Camden School named Jessica Harney. She has been a member of the Erie Canalway Commission for 30 years and never knew this fact.”
In the near future, Higgins envisions a sequel to “Dreams of Freedom,” but right now she is focused on marketing her new book. In her spare time, Higgins is a member of a book club, and she is working on a concept of novel tourism. She enjoys going to Toronto to visit her son Daniel, his wife, Elisha, and her grandchildren Sara and Sammy. She also chairs the Village Planning Board in Canastota, where she currently resides. She plans to do more book signings at local historical societies throughout Central New York. “Dreams of Freedom” is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ThriftBooks, and other major book retailers.