Skip to content

The Rockwell is your destination for all this and more. Give today to the 2024 Annual Appeal. Your contribution is essential to continue the journey. Donate today >>

Heroes Lecture Series | The Life and Legacy of John W. Jones with Talima Aaron

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: The Rockwell Museum

With Talima Aaron, Board President of the John W. Jones Museum

Members Free, Not-Yet-Members: $10, Students $5 | Registration encouraged
Location: The Rockwell Museum

*Note: For those unable to attend in person, lecture recordings will be posted on The Rockwell’s YouTube channel.

Many people who have lived in the Southern Tier all their lives do not learn about the significance of the region to the Underground Railroad until adulthood. Elmira, NY was the home of John W. Jones, who escaped enslavement, found prosperity as the sexton of historic Woodlawn Cemetery, and assisted 800 fugitives escaping enslavement in successfully reaching Canada. Learn more about Jones’s life and legacy with Talima Aaron, who currently serves as the Board President for the John W. Jones Museum in Elmira.

About Talima Aaron

Since joining the John W. Jones Board of Trustees’ finance committee in 2004, Talima Aaron has advanced the museum’s restoration, preservation and education efforts. Her grant writing efforts on these objectives have raised significant funding for restoring and stabilizing the building. From 2008 to 2016 she served as second vice president, and she has been serving as president of the board since 2016. Under her leadership, the Museum opened its doors to the public in 2016. Aaron is retired from Corning Incorporated’s Science and Technology human resource training team. She previously worked at Aetna Life & Casualty/Travelers, and received her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation during her tenure there. She is a graduate of the State University of New York, and completed Human Resources and Train-the-Trainer programs at Cornell University’s School of Industrial Relations. Aaron has lived in Elmira for over 40 years.

Black and white photograph of John W. Jones from John W. Jones Museum.

Upcoming Events

See All Events
Two children are viewing a gingerbread vehicle at The Gingerbread Invitational.
Holiday Open House

9 a.m. - 9 p.m. | The Rockwell Museum is free and open to the public during the first weekend in December!

Family Day | Sparkle  

3 - 6 p.m. | Enjoy free admission to The Rockwell Museum and holiday activities!

Holiday Open House

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | The Rockwell Museum is free and open to the public during the first weekend in December!