DRAFT
OFFICIAL RECORD 

FOURTH MEETING OF THE
UNDERGROUND  RAILROAD  ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
CHANNEL INN 

AUGUST 17 – 18, 1994 

The meeting was called to order by the Underground Railroad Advisory Committee (URAC) Chairperson Blockson at 9:10 am. A quorum was noted as being present including:  Mr. Charles Blockson, Chairperson, Ms. Barbara A. Hudson, Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Vivian Abdur-Rahim, Dr. Thomas Battle, Dr. John Fleming. Ms. Glenette Tilley-Turner.  

The Committee noted with great regret that Dr. Ancella Bickley was not able to attend due to the recent loss of her brother. The Committee expressed its sincere sympathy to Dr. Bickley and her family. Ms. Rose Powhatan was reported to be on an extended assignment in London, England; Dr. Winks is involved in another project out of the country at this time 

National Park Service representatives present were: National Capital Regional Director Bob Stanton, and members of the study team including Ms. Karen Arey, Ms. Sharon Brown, Mr. Warren Brown, Mr. Vincent deForest, Mr. John Paige, Ms. Barbara Tagger, Mr. John Marsh and other representatives from NPS regional offices. Ms. Dianne Calhoun was introduced as the recorder for the meeting. A complete list of NPS and public participants is attached as exhibit A. 

After a brief discussion of the draft minutes from the last meeting held in Baltimore, MD, they were adopted subject to such technical and editorial corrections as committee members might submit within the next few days. Ms. Tilley-Turner submitted a few technical and spelling corrections for names of public participants. 

A welcome was given to the URAC by the Regional Director Bob Stanton. Mr. Stanton expressed his personal commitment to the success of this study. He noted that the National Park System included only three sites dedicated to African American history when he began his NPS career, but now there were 12.  Mr. Stanton assured the URAC that if he could be of assistance to the URAC, that the URAC should feel free to call upon him. 

The next item to be discussed was the Underground Railroad (UR) LOGO. Committee members reiterated the importance of having a logo that replaced old images with a positive message, recognizing the contributions of Native Americans and African-Americans as well as Quakers and other groups. Ms. Powhatan had been heading up the effort to develop a new logo, and the URAC expressed concern about proceeding without knowing what progress she had made. However, it was noted that Ms. Powhatan is on extended leave and the URAC would need the logo for the Interpretive Handbook and the UR study. Congress has mandated timeframes for the Handbook and the UR study; therefore, it will be necessary to adopt a logo before Ms. Powhatan returns from her assignment overseas. Ms. Hudson suggested that the logo be derived from a national contest that could be tied in to Black History Month. 

Study team representatives expressed concern about the potential time and cost to conduct a national competition. It was agreed that Mr. Brown, Mr. deForest, Ms. Hudson, and Dr. Fleming would confer on options for conducting such a competition within the constraints of available time and funds. 

Sharon Brown presented some concepts for the design of a poster or wall chart and brochure that had been discussed with the subcommittee on interpretation. These items would be considered interim products until the Interpretive Handbook is completed and reflect the recommendations of the NPS Interpretive Design Center in Harpers Ferry. The URAC agreed with the idea of producing a chart or brochure as soon as possible, but emphatically expressed that they wanted the Interpretive Handbook to be completed promptly to be placed in schools and historical sites so that the story of the UR will never die but it will become a substantial part of the African-American History. Discussion continued about costs and schedules for the interim products and the interpretive handbook.   

The study team noted that a variety of Federal rules and requirements apply to NPS publications making production and printing take much more time than it might take for similar products in the private sector. Ms. Brown and Ms. Tagger will be visiting the HFC on Friday, August 19, 1994, and they will remind the publications section that the URAC would like for the Interpretive Handbook to be completed and distributed promptly. 

In response to further questions about project funding, Mr. Brown reiterated the NPS commitment to doing what Congress has directed as funds are available. In Fiscal Year 1994, the project was funded at a level of $216,000 and NPS expects to have and approximately $100,000 of additional funding available in the next Fiscal Year that begin October 1. Some funds were allocated to begin work on the Interpretive Handbook last year, but recent streamlining, retirement, and staff reductions have slowed progress on the handbook. 

Dr. Fleming endorsed Chairperson Blockson’s earlier suggestion to stop looking for more UR sites and concentrate on the mandates set by Congress due to financial constraints. There was general agreement that efforts to identify more sites could continue indefinitely, and that adequate information for purposes of the alternatives study was available. A motion by Dr. Battle to suspend the travel and research time, and concentrate efforts and monies into the production of the handbook and the UR Study was adopted with Ms. Tilley-Turner dissenting. Dr. Fleming asked that the interpretation subcommittee continue to be consulted as work on the handbook progresses, and Ms. Brown agreed to send them material as it becomes available. 

After a brief break, Mr. Jim Charleton and Ms. Barbara Tagger presented a slide show on UR sites they had visited that were being considered for potential National Historic Landmark designations. Ms. Tagger pointed out how conversations with different people on their trips, constantly produced new leads and information about potential landmarks, historical sites, and places that are important in the UR story. Mr. Charleton pointed to several examples of sites that offered outstanding interpretive opportunities addressing African-Americans as well as whites who were active in the Underground Railroad. 

Dr. Fleming noted the problem of finding documented sites in the South and encouraged continued efforts in those states. Mr. Blockson suggested that additional attention should be given to sites and connections with Canada and Mexico and Native Americans. Mr. Charleton and Ms. Tagger were complimented for all the hard work they had done. 

Chairman Blockson said that there is new terminology/vocabulary that should be used when discussing the UR. For instance, the word “fugitive” should no longer be used, because the word “fugitive” indicates criminal, “enslaved” should be used to replace the word “fugitive”. Ms. Hudson suggested that the study include a glossary of preferred terms to be used when referring to the UR. 

Mr. DeForest said that he would look at all resources available through NPS, citing a variety of current programs such as the Historic American Building Survey, and other programs of technical assistance for preservation and interpretation. He will be contacting other NPS regions within the UR study area and will organize a meeting of NPS regional representatives for this study as well as other programs to see what more can be done to support initiatives related to the Underground Railroad. Regional Director Stanton was reported to be fully in support of taking the lead in coordinating other NPS regional office involvement. 

Mr. Paige asked the URAC to come up with recommendations that will point out to NPS Managers how the UR Study can enhance the organization. 

After a break for lunch, the meeting resumed at 1:30. Mr. Paige explained that proposals for assistance in publicizing the study had been solicited in an effort to respond to concerns expressed by the URAC. Potential contractors were identified in consultation with members of the committee, and Ms. Marquetta L. Goodwine has been selected to assist with public information for the study.     

Ms. Goodwine discussed the Press Release she had prepared, suggesting the need for the message to jump out at the reader. She submitted a Strategy Paper for the URAC to review. She expressed her plan to go to the media at least 1 ½ months prior to any future URAC meetings and that she had made contact with a New York Newspaper and that the newspaper is doing an article about the UR study. Ms. Goodwine stated that she is using the newsletters/brochures in classes/speaking engagements as visual aides to inform attendees. 

Ms. Goodwine summarized the responses she had gotten to the ideas for alternatives outlined in newsletters, indicating support for a permanent commission and that a Research and Interpretive Institution be set up for the UR and suggested that the central location would be the Washington Mall. Ms. Abdur-Rahim asked Ms. Goodwine if she could use the press as a way of informing the public that we need funds to support the UR. Ms. Goodwine stated that she would like to do a series of Press Releases to appeal to the public on behalf of the UR. 

URAC asked that action on the strategy paper submitted by Ms. Goodwine be held off, and asked that the NPS study team refer back to the public involvement strategy that was discussed in the Buffalo meeting. 

Mr. Brown asked the URAC to provide any comments they have on Ms. Goodwine’s strategy paper as soon as possible. 

Mr. Paige asked that the URAC try to complete their reviewing of the Draft Special Resource Study as soon as possible, noting that there were many additional steps to complete before the study would be ready for transmittal to Congress. The committee was asked to provide detailed recommendations, comments, suggestions written on the draft within two weeks and send them to him in the Denver Service Center. 

Several specific suggestions were made including giving former Congressman Kostmayer credit for sponsoring the legislation directing the study, more bibliographic information, caution about use of certain terms, revising references to the influence of the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, inaccurate representation of the role played by the Quakers in the UR, and opportunities to expand information about Hispanic connections through the NPS Spanish Colonial Research Center. 

Ms. Hudson suggested that the URAC think in terms of overall recommendations and be ready tomorrow to discuss those recommendations. 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Chairman Blockson called for the meeting to resume August 18, 1994, at 9:00 AM.  

URAC Meeting, August 18, 1994 

The meeting was called to order at 9:15 AM. Chairman Blockson asked for the committee members to make recommendations, but first called on Mr. deForest to follow up on the points raised on Wednesday. 

Mr. deForest reiterated Regional Director Stanton’s support and willingness to set up a region wide conference. A motion was made by Mr. Blockson that the URAC recommend the National Park Service hold a conference under Mr. Stanton’s leadership to discuss what the NPS can do using available resources and existing programs to explain the facts and expand interpretation of the Underground Railroad (UR) story. The motion was properly moved and adopted by the URAC. Dr. Battle asked if observers outside of the NPS could participate in the proposed conference. Mr. deForest and Mr. Paige said that members of the URAC certainly would be welcome. Mr. deForest then passed out some material.  Mr. deForest also indicated that the URAC needs to interact with Temple University, Howard University and other Afro-American Organizations which are conducting studies to present their ideas, conclusions and discoveries. 

Dr. Battle suggested that some approach be used to put up similar structures for the Afro-American history in the Smithsonian. Mr. deForest stated that the URAC needs to communicate with places like the Smithsonian, and develop a working relationship with outside organizations that will disseminate information about the UR throughout every community. 

The Smithsonian Museum is conducting an African-American exhibit on the Mall, the weekend of September 10^th and 11^th, the URAC should take an advantage of the weekend mentioned to focus on getting exhibits for the UR on the Mall with the hope that networking with other organizations as well as funding will be addressed at a later date. Another organization that can be used as a source of funding and may be looked into is the National Endowments for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

Mr. Blockson asked that Ms. Goodwine be informed of these comments so that she can prepare a Press Release. Ms. Hudson stated that regardless of the structural changes within NPS, the URAC would like to see their recommendations implemented. 

Mr. deForest reminded the URAC that it will be Congress to decide what recommendations are to be implemented, and opportunities will depend on how funds are made available in future years. 

Dr. Fleming suggested that the URAC recommendations be divided into long-term and short-term recommendations. Long-term recommendations are goals that NPS can implement without new legislation and Short-term recommendations are goals that can be sent to Congress. Chairman Blockson and the URAC agreed to Dr. Fleming’s suggestion.  

The following section of the minutes reproduces notes that were written on charts in the meeting room as members of the URAC offered their recommendations. Mr. Paige agreed that URAC members who were not able to attend would be contacted for their recommendations that could be incorporated in this list. 

UNDERGROUND  RAILROAD  STUDY ACTIONS 

LONG TERM – CONGRESSIONAL ACTION 

• Redefine/reevaluate sites for African American history associations.

• Monticello and others

• Pursue all avenues of Underground Railroad research that have not been completed.

  1. South

  2. Extraterritorial

  3. Native Americans

• Use archaeologists, architects, oral historians, historians, ethnographer, folklore to conduct research.

• Archeological resources have equal balance with extant structures. African-American structures are not long-lasting;

• Current NPS programs emphasize extant structures-NEED to include archeological sites.

• Congress should recognize the importance of international links of Underground Railroad (ICOMOS – connected with U.N.

• WORLD HERITAGE LIST – connections to Underground Railroad – Caribbean, Liberia, Brazil.

• National Park Service reorganization should not affect the Underground Railroad work – project must be completed.

• Redefine and update the language – describing with the historical events involved with African-Americans traveling exhibition on the Underground Railroad with sites and/or institutions to be made available for groups.

• Follow opportunities for funding – National Park Service and outside agencies.

• Broad use of state of the art technology for education of information school curriculum.

• National coordinating committee for National and international interpretation/document of Underground Railroad story – this committee should coordinate encompassing extant organizational structures.

SHORT TERM     

• Include American Indian organizations and African-American scholars in the National Park Service research/interpretation programs.

• Restate Concept F--No Action to include short-term actions to be undertaken. Recast to say initiatives/actions can be made because present interpretation/communication is inadequate – NPS.

• Reexamine all National Park Service parks to determine sites with African-American history associations especially the Underground Railroad, to interpret this history, provide research identification. Accountability for managers to include African-American interpretation. Review extant interpretive materials at parks to research, identify, and incorporate black history.

• Include local historians for resources/data.

• Review of historical data interpretive programs.

• Recommend concept A-E as a whole, to adopted by Congress – whatever funding is required should be provided by Congress.

• Underground Railroad Commemorative Research Center is an important component of the concepts. Develop database on Underground Railroad housed at center, but networked with universities, museums, and historical societies, etc.

• Be sure future African-American Mall museum includes Underground Railroad story and database. Avoid duplication of effort in establishing a center.

• Preservation of sites associated with the Underground Railroad Sites with the greatest risk to be funded first.

• National Park Service technical assistance/local preservation. Ex. John Parker House – Ripley, Ohio

• SHPO offices to be involved, State designation of site so funding can be applies.

  1. research

  2. identification

  3. designation

• Threatened National Historic Landmarks can receive funding.

• Incorporate black history into NPS interpretation – Include African-American connections at all sites – redefine/add this history

• NPS Study should be expanded to include Native American association with Underground Railroad.

• Contact Native American groups about involvement with the Underground Railroad in all areas of research about the Underground Railroad Seminoles in Fla.

• The Underground Railroad should be priority within NPS extant programs. (recording, research, etc.)
  
  1.  ICOMOS
  2.  HAER
  3.  HABS etc. 
   

• Look for Underground Railroad resources with international significance.

• NHL process should continue beyond the present Underground Railroad theme study.

• Underground Railroad project should proceed/be completed in light of NPS reorganization.

• Redefine and update language with NPS/African-American history.

• Add glossary to the study.

·         Funding partnerships be established with NPS to pursue Underground Railroad programs currently existing programs. For example, ISTEA. 

• State of the art technology for interpreting NPS information of the Underground Railroad.

• LOGO/NPS HFC produced a recommendation by contracting with African-American artists and providing a list of these artists.

• Underground Railroad LOGO (not to be confused with markers for trails) are to be prepared in time for the Underground Railroad Study and Interpretive Handbook. 

• Contract with artist to produce three designs for approval by the Advisory Committee.

• NPS to use more African Americans participatory activities provided goods and services.

• NPS to place Underground Railroad in context with other movements – women rights etc.

• NPS study should have additional sources listed for people wanting to do further research.

A resolution on Wednesday had indicated that travel to collect more data on sites be curtailed, but there was general agreement that some additional site visits might be necessary and appropriate to provide technical or other assistance for sites that are in imminent danger of being demolished or destroyed. Chairman Blockson invited members of the public audience to give remarks and comments. Public representatives were: 

Ms. Ruby West Jackson, State Historic Society of Wisconsin. She met Ms. Barbara Tagger while she was on travel in Wisconsin. For the record, Ms. Jackson recommended that more recognition be given to African-American studies, and more value be given to oral history. Also, emphasized that the URAC make Black media more aware of what is going on with the UR study. One of the African-American sites in Wisconsin is the Joshua Glover house and they are proposing this to be designated a historical landmark. 

Ms. Celia Suggs, Richmond National Battlefield. Ms. Suggs indicated that she was appearing as an individual on her own time, although she works as an interpreter for NPS at Richmond. She reemphasized Mr. deForest’s comments re co-op programs mentioned to assist the UR study. She indicated that Afro-American students can come in to take advantage of the Co-op programs. Indicated that NPS provide interpretive programs, and when visitors visit the NPS parks, NPS can provide more about the history of the African-American and this can be a tool used to get the information out to the visitors about the UR study. 

Mr. Dan Hurley, Cincinnati, Ohio. The UR study in Cincinnati, Ohio, was originated when a group with the Local Chapter of National Christian and Jews came up with the idea of developing a UR Museum in Cincinnati. Mr. Hurley is a historical consultant hired to assist in developing the museum. Mr. Hurley made contact with Dr. Fleming, URAC member who provided guidance to Mr. Hurley and made him aware of the URAC. Mr. Hurley’s group is working with a Steering Committee of influential people in Cincinnati that is already committed to investing $100,000 for the feasibility study of an interpretive center focused on the UR (copy enclosed). Mr. Hurley stated that there are potential UR sites on the West River Front in Cincinnati and Mr. Hurley is working with Economic Development Corporation to develop these UR sites. Mr. Hurley’s intention is to work in cooperation with the National Park Service and other organizations to see how his group can be of service to the URAC for the UR study. 

Mr. Terry Ramson, appearing as a private citizen who happens to work for the Illinois Department of Transportation, Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Ramson stated that he works with the boy scouts organization in Illinois, and each year during the Black History month, he displays exhibits during the month. Mr. Ramson said that approximately five or six years ago he decided to go and look into the UR study. With this new venture, he developed a map route of the underground railroad sites in his State. He also participated in a site visit in Illinois with Ms. Glennette Tilley-Turner, URAC member, and Mr. Jim Charleton, NPS. Mr. Ramson also stated that he would like to see more networking between the URAC and the States. Mr. Ramson closed by saying, “that more publicity needs to be done on the UR and more people need to go to the school systems and educate students on the UR study”. 

Ms. Patricia Ilura Knock, representative from the Alexandria, Virginia, Archaeology program. Ms. Knock got involved with the UR at the 30th Anniversary celebration at Fort Worth Park. Ms. Knock indicated while she was digging dirt, many of the Fort Worth neighborhood people (Afro-American/Native-Americans) came and made her aware of historical places from which she became interested in oral history. Ms. Knock met a lady that grew up in the Fort Worth neighborhood and knew the history of Fort Worth Park. Ms. Knock introduced that lady to her supervisor and in term, Ms. Knock’s supervisor asked her to become a oral historian for the Archaeology society, and she did. Ms. Knock took oral history of four generations of Afro-Americans who had established the Fort Worth Park neighborhood.  Ms. Knock closed out by urging the URAC and others to, “PLEASE INCLUDE THE ORAL HISTORY”! 

Mr. Carter Bowman, Trustee for the Mt. Zion Church. Mr. Bowman was visited by a curator and this curator made him aware of the UR Site at the Church. He also became more aware through a former parishioner of the Mt. Zion Church when the parishioner sent him a flyer/publication printed on the UR. He along with a group of people are working at the Heritage Center, a small home owned by the Church built in 1810. In 1983, the NPS working along with the Urban Corp have restored this house. They have found records as far back at 1830 on the UR and he and his group are beginning to catalog the records and hopefully in the future they will be able to make these records available. He stated that the real UR site is located in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, and went on to explain the route that the slaves must have took during the time of the UR. 

Ms. Barbara Dodson Walker, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. Ms. Walker pointed out through her organization there are monthly newsletter and journal. The work for these publications is done by volunteer individuals. Ms. Walker indicated that she is willing to do publicity for the UR through her organization. She emphasized that networking with other organizations is very important. 

Ms. Audrey Davis, Curator at the Alexandria Archeology Department. She came with the intent to gain information on the UR and indicated that she had done so. 

Ms. Brenda M. Girton, J.D., Associate Executive Officer, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (card enclosed). Ms. Tilley-Turner contacted the President of the Council of Negro Women last night, and Ms. Hyde asked Mr. Girton to represent her at the URAC meeting. She expressed that the Council of Negro Women wholeheartedly support UR. 

Chairman Blockson thanked all the audience for attending the URAC meeting and for sharing information they had gained in their study of the Underground Railroad. 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 4 p.m. after some further discussion of committee recommendations. There was general agreement that the Committee should meet again in the spring of 1995 after reviewing the revised special resource study to develop a formal summary of its recommendations to the Secretary of Interior. Washington, D.C. was suggested as a likely candidate site for the meeting. URAC members were reminded that sending comments as soon as possible to the study team in Denver would be greatly appreciated.    

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF  THE  INTERIOR, NPS, WASO

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