Midwest Underground Railroad Network Gains National Recognition

The Midwest Underground Railroad Network, originally known as the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project, has expanded its mission to cover the pre-Civil War history of the entire Calumet region. It has now gained national recognition. Last week, officials announced that the South Holland-based nonprofit has been officially recognized as a program of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom by the National Park Service.

This announcement coincided with International Underground Railroad Month, a period dedicated to honoring the history and communities from a significant time in history. Rodney Harrington, the nonprofit’s president, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “This recognition is not simply an achievement for our organization. It is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to preserving history, educating our communities, and honoring those who pursued freedom and those who courageously helped make that freedom possible.”

Tom Shepherd, secretary of the Midwest Underground Railroad Network, highlighted the significant role of Chicago’s Southland and the Illinois Central Railroad for freedom seekers. He noted that the South Holland area was a crucial route for many escaping slavery to reach Chicago and northern states where slavery was not permitted by law.

The Network’s national recognition is significant because it enhances visibility and places it alongside other historically notable sites in 40 states, including Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada. These sites include the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., the Harriet Tubman House in New York, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia.

This distinguished honor connects the Midwest Underground Railroad Network’s regional efforts to a broader national mission dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of the Underground Railroad and the brave individuals who pursued freedom.

In collaboration with South Suburban College’s Service Learning Club, the Network will host a festival on October 21 to celebrate the history of the Underground Railroad and honor those who forged those paths. Jennifer Medlen, a professor at South Suburban College, emphasized the event’s importance for community engagement in local history and understanding the Underground Railroad connections.

This isn’t the first collaboration between South Suburban College and the Midwest Underground Railroad Network. They have previously hosted discussions with historian Larry McClellan, one of the group’s founders. During such events, students can actively participate, gaining insights into the region’s history while engaging creatively with it.

Medlen mentioned that art students will share artwork that reflects the topics discussed, while English students will present poetry. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at South Suburban College, South Holland. It will feature a meet and greet, poetry readings, an art exhibit, and musical performances. Participants will also hear lectures, engage in discussions, and participate in a drum circle with MURN Vice President Obari Cartman.

For more details, contact Medlen at [email protected].