Susquehanna National Heritage Area will offer its new Underground Railroad lecture series at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, 41 Walnut St., Columbia. All lectures in the series will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Underground Railroad was a system developed before the Civil War to guide slaves to freedom. The system was expansive, highly secretive, and dangerous. Pennsylvania had a unique position along the Mason-Dixon Line. It was a free state with a large free African American population and strong abolitionist fervor. Columbia was a major station in this network to freedom. A major transportation hub, Columbia could shelter and send fugitive slaves many different directions.
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, author Scott Mingus Sr. will speak on "Slavery and the Underground Railroad in York County" and the events that led to the origins of the Underground Railroad in York County. He will focus on the growth of abolitionism in the county and resistance to it, as well as discussing leading conductors in the free black community, the Society of Friends (Quakers), and the Scots-Irish and German-Swiss population. The lecture is based on his book "The Ground Swallowed Them Up: Slavery and the Underground Railroad in York County, Pennsylvania," which will be available for purchase and autographs.
Daniel Ness will present "Wade in the Water: Underground Railroad Crossings Along the Susquehanna" on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Attendees will learn about the persons and places near the Susquehanna River in York and Lancaster counties, including how, when, and where they crossed the river.
Dr. Leroy Hopkins will present "Marching to Zion: African Americans in Lancaster County and the Anti-Slavery Campaign" on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Hopkins will share the rich history of the Underground Railroad in Lancaster County while highlighting the better-known and lesser-known African Americans who played a vital role in the struggle to end slavery.
There is a cost to attend each presentation, with a discount for the entire series. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Registration is available through the event calendar at http://www.susquehannaheritage.org or by calling 717-449-5607. Proceeds will benefit the operations and programs of the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. For more details, readers may also contact Columbia Crossing at info@columbiacrossing.org.
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