Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Dionne Patterson of UGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences, Inc. for a special virtual screening of the documentary, North to Freedom.

North to Freedom, an original documentary from WSKG Public Television and filmmaker Brian Frey, primarily examines the important role Upstate New York played in the Underground Railroad during the years leading up to and during the American Civil War. The film, however, also examines how the Underground Railroad operated along the East Coast, including the Philadelphia area, and provides additional context and background information ahead of our popular William Still Walk on Saturday, October 4. “Conductor” Dee Patterson, who leads our annual William Still Walk, is featured prominently in the documentary and will be around after the screening for a virtual Q&A session.

This screening pairs well with our annual William Still Walk, but neither are dependent on one another – participants are welcome to join one or both! (Please note, the William Still Walk does have a participant cap so early registration is encouraged.)

MORE ABOUT NORTH TO FREEDOM: The Central and Southern Tier of New York state, including the Finger Lakes region, served as crucial passages and ultimate destinations for those seeking freedom, offering hope and refuge to enslaved Americans. Binghamton, Elmira, Owego, Ithaca, Syracuse, Peterboro, and dozens of other communities provided safe houses, churches, and sanctuaries along the route from the South.

The film highlights the heroic efforts of local church leaders, former enslaved individuals, and ordinary citizens, both those deeply committed to the abolitionist cause and those taking great risks just to do the right thing. These individuals helped build a vast clandestine intelligence network of information and safe harbors, aiding hundreds of freedom seekers whose ultimate journey often led them across the Great Lakes to Canada.

“North to Freedom” also shines a light on lesser-known figures of the Underground Railroad, like formerly enslaved turned influential preacher Jermain Loguen, who boldly challenged slave catchers to come find him; Gerrit Smith, who not only sheltered freedom seekers in his Peterboro mansion but also generously funded the abolitionist movement; and John W. Jones of Elmira, who housed and helped find passage for over 800 individuals on their route to freedom.

“North to Freedom” explores the rise of passionate abolitionism in the first half of the 19th century, illustrating how the words and actions of people from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds fueled the movement that ultimately helped bring an end to slavery in America.

TICKETS: Free, RSVP required to receive Zoom registration link.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org

Enjoy our programs? Play it forward for Philly parks! Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Fair Play Campaign is creating healthy park infrastructure, expanding people-centered programs, and preparing our organization for the future. Learn more and get involved at fairplayphilly.org.