March 3, 2025 – A new exhibit highlighting the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois are featured in a new exhibit Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad.
This exhibit will be on view and open to the public at the Decatur Public Library from Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30pm through Tuesday, April 29 at 8:00pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
This exhibit tells 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 the 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 the Springfield, Quincy and Galena areas.
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is 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 for themselves and others.”
The exhibit will be available and open to the public during regular business hours at the Decatur Public Library from Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30pm through Tuesday, April 29 at 8:00pm.
