Journey to Freedom – The Underground Railroad Exhibit

Exhibit on display in Freeport: March 7th – April 5th

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is a new museum-quality exhibit highlighting the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on The Underground Railroad in Illinois.

The exhibit is located on the second floor of the Freeport Public Library and is open to the public. Experience selected stories of freedom seekers, conductors, and communities in Illinois that were part of the journey to freedom on the Illinois Underground Railroad.

Using photos, videos, maps, personal stories, and illustrations created specifically for the exhibit, visitors will learn about the people and communities who took part in this hidden history. Highlighted stories include freedom seekers John and Eliza Little, who traveled barefoot through Illinois to Canada to gain their freedom, or conductors like Henry who worked for Abraham Lincoln, and Mary Ann King Brown who helped the enslaved to freedom in Springfield, Quincy, and Galena areas.

Many of the known communities are included, from Cairo through Springfield to Quincy and Chicago. Other featured areas are Brooklyn/Freedom Village, Miller Grove, Rocky Fork, Galesburg, Mount Hope, Jacksonville, and New Philadelphia.

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is proudly presented by The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as “Looking for Lincoln.“

We are so honored to share this new exhibit with the community,” said Sarah Watson, executive director of Looking for Lincoln. “Many of these Illinois Underground Railroad stories have not been shared in one place. It is so inspiring to learn more about the bravery of all these people who took so many risks to fight against slavery for the basic rights of themselves and others.”

For more information, call 815.233.3000 or email us at information@freeportpubliclibrary.org