Although the term
Underground Railroad
implies a
progression of
well-ordered routes
leading north, it
was actually a broad
movement, with
people of varied
ethnic and religious
affiliation involved
in spontaneous and
organized activities
to assist enslaved
African Americans in
their efforts to
achieve freedom.
Actual routes, which
led to Canada, Mexico
and the Caribbean,
are difficult to
trace due to the
secrecy associated
with this illegal
activity.
- Guy Washington
National Park Service
Network to Freedom

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD PRESERVATION
(These organizations are not necessarily on the route)

College/University and Educational Programs

• Association for the Study of African American Life and History
• The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• The Place I Call Home: Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Underground Railroad History at The Center for Anti-Slavery Studies in Montrose, Pennsylvania
• Hobart & Smith College
• Northern Kentucky University Freedom Studies Program
• Stations on the UGRR Public Sculpture Project in the Niagara Region
• Underground Railroad Regional Interpretive Center at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University.

Foundations & Nonprofit Institutions

• Friends of Freedom Society - The Ohio Underground Railroad

• Levi Coffin House Association operates the Levi Coffin House State Historic site in Fountain City, Indiana. Learn about Levi and the important role he played in the UGRR.

• Friends of Oberlin Underground Contact Tracie Haynes, 288 North Main Railroad Oberlin, OH 44074 (440) 744-1731

• Owens Sounds Black History and Owen Sound Annual Emancipation Day Picnic learn about the important role freedom seekers had in establishing this community.

Films, Media & On-line Resources

• Safe Harbor “all men are created equal” a film produced by Lisa and Rich Gensheimer outlining the Underground Railroad in Western Pennsylvania.
• Menare Foundation NorthStar Website
• Ontario Black History Society
• Ottawa Citizen - Tracks to Freedom SeriesReporter Chris Lachner walked the path to freedom using Adventure Cycling’s route from northern Kentucky to central Ohio. Read about his experience.
• Slavery and the Making of America This is the companion website to a four-part PBS series documenting the history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction.
• Africans in America America's Journey Through Slavery Visit this companion website for this four-part PBS special complete with teacher's guide and youth activites.

AFRICAN AMERICANS AND CYCLING
Major Taylor Association, Inc was formed by to honor the 1899 world champion bicycle racer who overcame racial prejudice to become the first internationally acclaimed African-American sports star.  The organization's mission is to memorialize Major Taylor in recognition of his athletic achievements and strength of character -- his sportsmanship, concern for those less fortunate, devotion to God, and personal struggle for equality.   Further, MTA aims to create a living memorial to Taylor by conducting good works in his name and educating people about his life and legacy.
Major Taylor Cycling Clubs Involved with this route

• Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club
• Major Taylor Foundation of Greater Kansas City
• Chicago Major Taylor Bike Society

BACK TO UGRR RESOURCES HOMEPAGE