Moderated Conversation on New Directions in the Study of the Underground Railroad
National Archives at Kansas City
January 30, 2017
On Monday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m., the National Archives in partnership with Park University, will host the 16th Annual Park University Spencer Cave Lecture with Dr. Spencer Crew and Dr. Matthew Pinsker. A moderated conversation about the Underground Railroad will be this year’s focus. A free light reception will precede the program at 6:00 p.m.
The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor an actual railroad. Its name reflects the activities which were carried out in secret, using darkness or disguise, and because railway terms were used by those involved with the system to describe how it worked. Various routes were lines, stopping places were known as stations, those who aided along the way were conductors and their charges were known as packages or freight. The network of routes extended through 14 Northern states and “the promised land” of Canada–beyond the reach of fugitive-slave hunters. Historians Dr. Spencer Crew and Dr. Matthew Pinsker will talk with Dr. Timothy Westcott, of Park University, about the past, present and future initiatives to engage, teach and preserve local, regional and national historic sites related to the Underground Railroad. This program is presented in partnership with Park University’s Program of History and the Organization of American Historians.
The Spencer Cave Black History Month Lecture Series is named for Spencer Cave, who was born a slave at the start of the Civil War, later moved to Parkville, Missouri, in 1875 (the year Park University was founded) and worked for the University for more than 70 years before his death in 1947. This year’s lecture is sponsored by Park’s Program of History and the Organization of American Historians. This program is presented in partnership with Park University’s Department of History.
Reservations are requested for this free program by calling 816-268-8010 or emailing kansascity.educate@nara.gov. Requests for ADA accommodations must be submitted five business days prior to events.
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LPM/LE – KC17-12