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SPECIAL FEATURE
Underground Railroad
Underground Railroad
Composed of neither trains nor tracks, the Underground Railroad was the network of people – Black, White, Native American, wealthy, and poor, men and women – who assisted African Americans escape the institution of slavery in the nineteenth century. By helping enslaved African Americans find safe passage to the Northeast, the Midwest, and to Canada, these individuals participated in a dangerous but important act of civil disobedience. Thus, the existence of the Underground Railroad was enabled by both the courageousness of the enslaved who risked their lives to find freedom and the selflessness of the men and women who helped them complete their difficult journeys.
Unfortunately, due to the need to often conceal the names of people and locations affiliated with its loosely organized system, the aspect of human nature that influences people to “stretch the truth”, and the passing of time, the legacy of the Underground Railroad is often imbued with mythic elements.
The “Journey to Freedom” exhibit at the Bellefonte Art Museum, while respecting the folkloric transmissions of history, reflects an attempt to offer an accurate account of the important place the Underground Railroad occupies in American history and in the local history of Bellefonte, more specifically.
“A Journey to Freedom” can be viewed during our regular museum hours of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday 12:00-4:30. Free admission.
Footnote: Information cited from “A Journey to Freedom” exhibit booklet by Mudiwa Pettus and additional information by Renea Nichols
Museum Hours:
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12:00-4:30 or by appointment
The Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County has created a vibrant community for the arts serving families, artists, and patrons while making a positive social and economic impact on Happy Valley.
Six galleries and a gift shop rotate monthly and feature artworks by local artists, including a unique display window allowing visitors to view art from outside the building. In addition, the Special Exhibitions Gallery brings unique art shows from near and far to enrich our community and highlight art from other places and cultures.
Housed in a historic property in Bellefonte, the Linn House attracts visitors for the art and programs, as well as for the historic quality of the house. “A Journey to Freedom” is a permanent exhibition commemorating the role of our region in the operations of the Underground Railroad.
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