Illinois Launches Initiative to Highlight Underground Railroad History
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An Illinois task force is spearheading efforts to amplify the state’s significant role in the Underground Railroad, unveiling plans to recognize over 200 historic sites that once served as safe havens for freedom seekers escaping slavery.
As part of a broader initiative to enhance both education and tourism, the task force has meticulously identified these critical sites and key figures involved in the Underground Railroad network. The findings were presented to the state legislature on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of preserving this vital part of American history.
"The stories of those who sought freedom and the individuals who aided them need to be told," said Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman. He highlighted the challenges faced by freedom seekers, including the ever-present threat of bounty hunters that made their journey perilous.
The task force’s recommendations include the establishment of the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission, which would research and commemorate significant locations and partner with similar organizations nationwide. This collaborative approach aims to promote a well-rounded understanding of the hardships endured by freedom seekers and their journey to freedom.
Illinois currently has 25 sites listed on the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom, part of a nation-wide initiative that recognizes over 700 locations across 39 states significant to the Underground Railroad. The task force’s efforts aim to unify local projects, develop new educational initiatives, and bring increased visibility to Illinois’ role in this important historical movement.
By shining a light on the past, Illinois hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the history of the Underground Railroad while enhancing tourism and educational opportunities across the state.
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