In the 1830s, abolitionism became a political force to be reckoned with. In the face of harassment and mob violence, Black and white abolitionists staged rallies, published newspapers, and flooded Congress with antislavery petitions. Increasingly, they made up the rank and file of the Underground Railroad.But pro-slavery forces emboldened kidnappers to roam ... Show More
Feb 2024
The Underground Railroad | Crossing the Line | 3
On the morning of April 16th, 1848, dozens of Washington, D.C. slaveowners woke up to find that their slaves were gone. The previous night, 77 enslaved men, women, and children had quietly run away and boarded a ship docked in the Potomac River.It was the largest single escape at ... Show More
39m 42s
Mar 2023
Secrets of the Civil War: North Toward Freedom
Today in our series, Secrets of the Civil War, we’ll meet some of the key players in the Abolition Movement–a persuader, an agitator, and a conductor. Their ideals and actions helped foster the success of the Underground Railroad and the path to emancipation. How did so many ensl ... Show More
31m 37s
Sep 2023
he Most Famous Abolitionist You Never Heard Of: The Story of Thomas Shipley
On this episode of Our American Stories, Thomas Shipley always sprang into action to defend black men and women from abuses and professional kidnappers. He infiltrated murderous mobs, warned would-be victims, and testified against ringleaders throughout his life. Support the show ... Show More
10m 49s
Nov 2024
41 | Lord Give Me a Sign | It’s the Senate, and We in It
The Civil War’s over, countless Black people are making their way in a new and dangerous world, and their fight for equality and representation ain’t over. Two Black men – preacher Hiram Revels and the formerly enslaved Blanche Bruce – rise up during U.S. Reconstruction with diff ... Show More
38m 53s
Jan 2022
The Daring Escape of Ellen and William Craft: Boston African American National Historic Site.
Follow along as we are introduced to freedom seekers Ellen and William Craft on their 1,000 mile journey to the north. After being enslaved their entire lives, they decide to risk it all to find freedom and create a life they always wanted. It's not an easy journey, as Ellen disg ... Show More
1h 17m