Past Process of Nominations:

At this time, four or fewer abolitionists will be inducted during the odd numbered years on the October weekend closest to the anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the New York State Anti-Slavery Society, which had been held in Peterboro on October 22, 1835. The inductees are then commemorated the following (even numbered) year, again on the October weekend closest to the anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the New York State Anti-Slavery Society. Abolitionists inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, 2007 and 2009 were initially selected using a list of top abolitionists generated by a 2004 survey of abolition scholars by Amy Godine, a member of the first Cabinet of Freedom. The National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum appreciates their thoughtful inductee selection responses.

Participating scholars included:

Charles Blockson, Fergus Bordewich, Christopher Densmore, Kate Clifford Larson, John R. McKivigan, Robert Parquette, James Brewer Stewart, Gerald Sorin, Douglas Strong, Tom Vince, Sally Roesch Wagner, Judy Wellman, June Williamson

In 2006 Ayanna Williams, Colgate University Upstate Institute Fellow, researched other hall of fame nomination procedures and reported her findings to the Cabinet of Freedom. From her work much of the NAHOF induction process was developed.

Public Nomination Process:

 Anyone is able to submit a nomination to NAHOF, if they think that the individual’s accomplishments warrant acknowledgement in the abolitionist movement, based off of their contributions to the cause. A select group of scholars, Cabinet members and NAHOF members will then deem, through use of a criteria matrix.