2015 Press Releases

National Archives Marks Black History Month with Program on the Underground Railroad February 3
Press Release · Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Washington, DC

Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad

On Tuesday, February 3, at 7 PM, the National Archives presents a special program titled “Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad.” This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The event will also be streamed live via YouTube.

Author Eric Foner builds on fresh evidence—including a secret, detailed record of slave escapes—to tell the dramatic story of fugitive slaves and the antislavery activists who defied the law to help them reach freedom. Ed Ayers, President of the University of Richmond, will moderate a panel including Mr. Foner, professor of history at Columbia University and author of Gateway to Freedom; Edna Greene Medford, professor of history at Howard University; and Adam Rothman, associate professor of history at Georgetown University. A book signing will follow the program.

Attendees should use the Special Events entrance, located on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW. The building is fully accessible. Metro: Yellow or Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. To verify the date and times of the programs, view the Calendar of Events online.

Related new permanent exhibition

The new permanent exhibit at the National Archives, “Records of Rights,” uses original documents, photographs, facsimiles, videos, and interactive exhibits to explore how Americans have worked to realize the ideals of freedom enshrined in our nation’s founding documents and how they have debated issues such as citizenship, free speech, voting rights, and equal opportunity. Exploring many stories–and showcasing the drive for civil rights for African Americans, women, and immigrants–the new exhibition chronicles the past and current generations whose efforts to secure equality under the law have shaped the country we live in today.

# # #

For press information contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

Connect with the National Archives on:
Twitter: @USNatArchives
Facebook: USNationalArchives
Tumblr: http://usnatarchives.tumblr.com

15-36

This page was last reviewed on November 7, 2018.
Contact us with questions or comments.

Top