ALNHA added to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
May 6, 2025
The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA)is among 31 new listings added by the National Park Service to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. The new listings join more than 800 sites, facilities and programs already in the network that provide insight into the diverse experiences of freedom seekers who bravely escaped slavery and allies who assisted them.
The Network to Freedom program is excited to recognize ALNHA’s work to highlight and share Illinois’ Underground Railroad story. Their recent traveling exhibit ‘Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad’ has brought the topic alive throughout the state. The exhibit acquaints Illinois residents to the story through interpretive programming, lesson plans, videos, live music presentations, and podcasts.
In partnership with the ALNHA, the designation was also awarded to ‘Songs of the Illinois Freedom Road.’ This musical performance by Chris Vallillo that combines historic music with quotes and accounts from first person narratives, retelling the stories of Freedom Seekers who traveled to and through Illinois in search of safety and freedom. These performances are held in conjunction with the aforementioned traveling exhibit.
Nationwide, these 31 new designations illustrate the coast to coast efforts of freedom seekers and their allies to secure self-determination, liberty and justice for themselves and others. New members from around the country will be featured on the Network to Freedom’s interactive map and national database.
Created by Congress in 1998, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom serves to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide. It includes listings in 41 states, plus Washington, D.C., Canada, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its mission, the network advances the idea that all humans should have the rights to self-determination and freedom from oppression.