The Main Altar of Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Lackawanna, New York, features the nine-foot marble statue of the Blessed Mother, which was personally blessed by Pope Pius XI before being shipped to the United States. A swirled canopy supports a large gold cross held aloft by four angels. (Aug. 5, 2018)

Along each side of Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Lackawanna, New York, are the Stations of the Cross which consist of life-sized figures in scenes carved from a single piece of marble. The pews, which seat about 1,000, are made from rare African mahogany. (Aug. 5, 2018)

Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Lackawanna, New York…just outside of Buffalo, began construction in 1921 after Father Nelson Baker, superintendent priest of the Catholic parish, unveiled plans to build this shrine in homage to the Blessed Mother. (Aug. 5, 2018)

The carerra marble domed niche houses the statue of Our Lady of Victory at the Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Lackawanna, New York…just outside of Buffalo. (Aug. 5, 2018)

Another view of Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica in Lackawanna, New York…just outside of Buffalo. (Aug. 5, 2018)

Inside the Nash House Museum in Buffalo, New York, is a wax figure of the Reverend J. Edward Nash (1868-1957) in his library and home office. Reverend Nash was the pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist Church from 1892 to 1953. Thank you Cynthia (Tina) Harris for the photo. (Aug. 4, 2018)

Inside the Michigan Street Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York, is a tunnel that’s part of the Underground Railroad where enslaved people could slip away without being seen. Thank you Cynthia (Tina) Harris for the photo. (Aug. 4, 2018)

Inside the Nash House Museum in Buffalo, New York, is a wax figure of Frances Jackson Nash (1895-1987) standing in her kitchen. The Nashes were prominent leaders who hosted many notable African Americans in their home and championed the Civil Rights movement. Their home is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Thank you Cynthia (Tina) Harris for the photo. (Aug. 4, 2018)

A display at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls, New York, tells the story and highlights the achievements of the waiters at the Cataract House, a world class hotel in Niagara Falls, who risked their freedom to help others achieve theirs. (Aug. 5, 2018)

Inside the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center in Niagara Falls, New York, is this exhibit of the dining room area of Cataract House, a world class hotel, in Niagara Falls where Southern enslavers with their slaves would stay. This is where waiters, porters and cooks operated a highly effective stop on the Underground Railroad. (Aug. 5, 2018)