STATEMENT OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Charles L. Blockson, Chair 

July 22, 1997    

     The Underground Railroad is a remarkable chapter in American history that symbolizes the timeless and universal quest for freedom. It is as significant as it was in the 1800’s. 

     Young, old, black, white, and Native Americans, women, and children in the North, the South, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean transcended their differences as they protested against human bondage. Enslaved Africans and the persons who assisted them after they escaped, exhibited courage, resourcefulness, and trust. 

     The Underground Railroad has captured the public’s imagination. NPS visitors want to learn about the clandestine escape networks, retrace river and trail routes, and visit caves and homes that served as hiding places. 

     As our country ponders how people of varied backgrounds can comfortably co-exist, the Underground Railroad is a historic example of how Americans of different races, ages, genders, religions, and economic circumstances can work cooperatively. As we prepare our children to think on an international scale, they will know it’s possible when they learn about the international destinations of the Underground Railroad. 

     As you know, the Underground Railroad Advisory Committee was established by Public Law 101-628 to advise the National Park Service on matters regarding the several recommendations including establishment of public-private partnerships, the creation of an interpretive handbook, the extension of the Advisory Committee through the process of Congressional funding, the establishment of an Underground Railroad Commission, and the creation of a monument and museum to commemorate this time in our history. The committee endorses H.R. 1635 as we believe that it reflects many of the committee’s ideas and recommendations including the enhancement of interpretation at current National Parks sites, the encouragement and authorization to enter into cooperative agreements and public-private partnerships and the ability to weave together the many historic sites, structures and programs that bring alive the spirit of the Railroad. We would like to see the bill strengthened by including sufficient funding for the implementation of this unique program. 

The Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1997 will be a vehicle for:
Conveying the Underground story present and future, domestic and international visitors.

Enabling parks visitors to vicariously experience and be enriched by this remarkable chapter of American history. Its passage will assure that the Underground Railroad and its significance in American history receives the national recognition it merits. 

The Underground Railroad Advisory Committee: Charles L. Blockson, Dr. Thomas Battle, Dr. John Fleming, Dr. Ancella Bickley, Ms. Barbara Hudson, Dr. Robin Winks, Ms. Vivian Abdur-Rahim, Ms. Rose Powhatan (Pamunkey), Ms. Glenette Turner.

READ MORE »