Illinois Group Works to Preserve Underground Railroad Histories

Members of the "Illinois Network to Freedom Collective" aim to uncover and document sites connected to the Underground Railroad in the state.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A group of historians and educators in Illinois, known as the "Illinois Network to Freedom Collective", is working to identify, preserve, and share the stories of freedom seekers who traveled through the Underground Railroad in the state. The collective is researching written records, church documents, census data, and oral histories to uncover and document the over 400 locations in Illinois that were directly connected to the Underground Railroad. Their efforts come amid recent attempts to erase or downplay Black history, and they hope that by teaching this history, they can inspire progress in the ongoing fight for civil rights.

Why it matters

The work of the "Illinois Network to Freedom Collective" is important in preserving the stories and legacies of the freedom seekers who risked everything to escape slavery. In a time when there are efforts to erase or water down Black history, this group's dedication to uncovering and documenting these crucial historical sites and narratives is crucial for educating the public and honoring the past.

The details

The collective is analyzing a variety of records, including written documents, church records, census data, and oral histories, to uncover the over 400 locations in Illinois that were directly connected to the Underground Railroad. They have already helped add the Joseph Bartlett Farm in Kane County to the National Park Service's list of recognized safehouses, and are working to get another home in St. Charles nationally recognized as well. The group faces challenges in researching this history, as the Underground Railroad was an illegal operation, but they are committed to bringing these stories to light through public education efforts.

  • Last month, the National Park Service removed an exhibit in Philadelphia about nine people enslaved by George Washington, but a federal judge ordered the exhibit to be restored.
  • In September, a photo showing an enslaved man's scarred back from whippings was removed from a national monument in Georgia.
  • Last summer, Illinois passed the "Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Act", which aims to explore, research, and commemorate the journeys of freedom seekers.
  • The official commission has yet to be announced and will be appointed by the governor.

The players

Illinois Network to Freedom Collective

A group of historians and educators focused on bringing attention to the stories of freedom seekers and sites connected to the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

Abdul Alkalimat

A member of the Illinois Network to Freedom Collective who said the group has found at least 429 places in Illinois that were directly connected to the Underground Railroad.

Eric Krupa

The curator and archivist at the St. Charles History Museum who recently helped add the Joseph Bartlett Farm in Kane County to the National Park Service's list of recognized safehouses.

Larry McClellan

A historian with the Illinois Network to Freedom Collective who explained the challenges of researching this history, as the Underground Railroad was an illegal operation.

Asif Wilson

An educator and member of the Illinois Network to Freedom Collective who said their work is about public education and bringing these stories to life in classrooms.

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What they’re saying

“We found at least 429 places in Illinois that were directly connected to the Underground Railroad.”

— Abdul Alkalimat, Member, Illinois Network to Freedom Collective

“This site is actually where Celia and Eliza were taken to.”

— Eric Krupa, Curator and Archivist, St. Charles History Museum

“So, to begin with, this (the underground railroad) is all illegal, so what we have to do is find all kinds of ways to get into the information, and so we end up with family records, with church records, with census records.”

— Larry McClellan, Historian, Illinois Network to Freedom Collective

“It's getting the resources, the imagery, the narratives, the stories, those things that help students and teachers come alive in classrooms that bring those feelings up in classrooms.”

— Asif Wilson, Educator, Illinois Network to Freedom Collective

“The Underground Railroad is an important aspect of the past, but we have to embrace the legacy of the freedom seekers all the way through the current time we live in today.”

— Abdul Alkalimat, Member, Illinois Network to Freedom Collective

What’s next

The official Illinois Freedom Trails Commission, which was created by the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission Act passed last summer, has yet to be announced and appointed by the governor. Members of the Illinois Network to Freedom Collective helped draft the legislation and are now working with the state on this new commission.

The takeaway

The work of the Illinois Network to Freedom Collective is crucial in preserving the stories and legacies of the freedom seekers who risked everything to escape slavery. By uncovering and documenting these important historical sites and narratives, the collective is helping to educate the public and honor the past, even as there are efforts to erase or downplay Black history. Their dedication to this cause offers hope that these crucial stories will be remembered and inspire progress in the ongoing fight for civil rights.