Sometimes, in the quiet moments, I find myself drawn back to the stories of our ancestors. I can almost hear the whispered prayers, the rustling of skirts in the darkness, the pounding hearts beneath stolen cloaks. Their strength, their unyielding hope… It echoes in the triumphant tales of African-American resilience that I love so much.
The Underground Railroad was more than just a network of safe houses and secret routes; it was a testament to the unwavering human spirit. It was hushed conversations under the moonlight, hidden messages passed with a knowing glance, and the resolute determination in countless eyes. These were the freedom seekers, ordinary people who refused to accept their chains.
In this two-part series, I invite you to first join me in planning a pilgrimage and then share your thoughts and feelings of the experience. I’ll be exploring the historic sites of Philadelphia and the serene countryside of Southeastern Pennsylvania—a place where my own ancestors once lived. It’s a personal journey, but one that resonates with our shared history. You can follow along in spirit, or plan your own adventure. Let’s create a shared experience of remembrance, connection, and empowerment.
Why Embark on this Spiritual Journey?
- To Honor Our Ancestors: We walk these paths to pay homage to the countless men, women, and children who defied unimaginable odds in their pursuit of freedom. Their resilience is our inheritance.
- To Connect with Our Roots: This pilgrimage allows us to look deeper into our collective past, to understand the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our identity.
- To Find Inspiration and Strength: Our ancestors faced unimaginable adversity, yet they persevered. Their stories ignite a fire within us, reminding us of our own innate power and resilience.
- To Foster Healing and Reconciliation: By confronting the painful truths of our history, we create space for healing and reconciliation, both within ourselves and our communities.
- To Celebrate the Triumph of the Human Spirit: The Underground Railroad stands as a testament to the unyielding human spirit, the belief in freedom and justice that transcends time and circumstance.
Planning The Experience
- Choose Your State:
- Uncover the hidden narratives of your chosen state and how the Underground Railroad operated there.
- Research the courageous abolitionists, conductors, and freedom seekers who shaped its history.
- Chart Your Unique Pilgrimage:
- Begin with the National Park Service’s “Network to Freedom” program for a curated list of verified sites.
- Go beyond the official list. Local historical societies and passionate individuals often hold the keys to hidden gems.
- Craft your itinerary based on personal resonance, time, and location.
- Prepare for Your Journey:
- Select your mode of transportation: car, public transit, or even bicycle for a more intimate connection with the landscape.
- Book accommodations, especially near popular sites. Consider historic inns for an immersive experience.
- Allow ample time for travel and exploration. This is a pilgrimage, not a race.
- Awaken the Past:
- Seek out guided tours led by passionate experts who can bring history to life.
- Visit dedicated Underground Railroad museums and exhibits.
- Attend reenactments, lectures, or festivals for a visceral connection to the past.
- Tread Lightly and Listen Deeply:
- Approach each site with reverence, remembering the lives lived and the struggles endured there.
- Take time for quiet reflection, connecting with the spirits of those who walked these paths before you.
- Share the stories you uncover, sparking conversations and keeping the flame of remembrance alive.
My Plans for Southeastern Pennsylvania
The rolling hills of Southeastern Pennsylvania hold a special allure for me. I’ll begin in the Kennett Square area, near where my grandfather’s family lived, in the shadow of the Underground Railroad. I’ll be walking those same paths, seeking the echoes of their past and the whispers of those who sought freedom. My tour will conclude in Philadelphia where I spent most of my years. Some of the sites I plan to visit are listed below.
Why These Locations Matter
- Kennett Underground Railroad Center: A focal point for understanding the Underground Railroad’s activity in the area, showcasing stories of local abolitionists and the courageous individuals they helped.
- Longwood Gardens: Although not a direct stop, it reflects the abolitionist sentiments of its owners, the Peirce family, highlighting the intertwined nature of social activism and daily life in the region.
- Historic Yellow Springs: Illustrates the economic side of the abolitionist movement, where the Free Produce movement gained traction, showcasing how everyday choices could challenge the institution of slavery.
- Bethel AME Church, Lancaster: Represents the crucial role of African American churches in providing not just physical shelter but also spiritual support and community to those escaping bondage.
- Lancaster County Historical Society: Offers a broader context of the abolitionist movement in Lancaster County, highlighting the challenges, risks, and sacrifices involved in aiding freedom seekers.
- Christiana Resistance: Marks a pivotal moment where resistance to slavery turned violent, demonstrating the escalating tensions and the lengths to which both sides were willing to go.
- Johnson House Historic Site: A tangible reminder of Philadelphia’s role as a major hub on the Underground Railroad, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who sought and provided refuge.
- Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, Philadelphia: Founded in 1794, it was a center of abolitionist activity and provided shelter and aid to escaped slaves.
- Belmont Mansion: Located in Fairmount Park, this mansion was owned by abolitionist Judge Richard Peters and is believed to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
- William Still’s Residence: William Still, a prominent abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, operated a secret station for freedom seekers at his home.
I’ll share my journey with you – the stories, the photos, the emotions. I hope this inspires you to embark on your own exploration, whether it’s along the Underground Railroad or any path that connects you to your history and your heart.
In Part Two (to be published at a later date), Let’s share these journeys, together. The fight for freedom never ends, and in honoring the past, we light the way for the future.
Safe travels!
RESOURCES:
Websites
National Park Service’s Network to Freedom Program: The official listing of verified Underground Railroad sites across the U.S.
State Historical Societies and Museums: Many states have historical societies or museums with extensive collections and online resources on the Underground Railroad. Check their websites or contact them directly for information specific to your state.
State Tourism Websites: Some state tourism websites might have sections or articles on the Underground Railroad, highlighting key sites and trails. Search for “[State Name] Underground Railroad” or explore their history and heritage sections.
Tips for Finding State-Specific Information:
- Search Online: Use search engines with specific keywords like “[State Name] Underground Railroad sites” or “[State Name] Underground Railroad history.”
- Check Local Historical Societies: Many local historical societies have valuable information on Underground Railroad activity in their communities. Contact them directly or search their websites.
- Visit Libraries and Archives: Local libraries and archives often have primary sources and historical documents related to the Underground Railroad.
Books
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that blends historical fiction with magical realism)
- Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero by Kate Clifford Larson
- Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad in New York City by Eric Foner
Documentaries
- The Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
- Harriet Tubman: They Called Her Moses
- Underground Railroad: The Secret History
Photo courtesy of History.com
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