In acknowledgment of Juneteenth, the Kennett Underground Railroad tour on June 16 focused on the Underground Railroad and the abolition movements, writes Gabbie Burton for the Chester County Press.
Through five featured stops at historic landmarks, the Kennett Underground Railroad Center revealed stories of struggle and liberation.
The immersive and historical experience was led by KURC President, Crystal Crampton. It started at the Brandywine Valley Tourism and Information Center, an 1855 building that was once the Longwood Progressive Friends Meetinghouse.
The tour continued to the site of Cox House. This 1790s home belonged to Quakers John and Hannah Cox. They used it as a safe house for freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.
The tour also visited the New Garden Memorial U.A.M.E. Church, the Bartholomew Fussell house and the site of the former James Walker house, before concluding at the Marlborough Friends Meetinghouse.
“There are a couple of lessons we learned from this Underground Railroad tour,” said tour guide Linda Steelman. “You stand up for what is right and it is risky, and sometimes it is violent, but you have to follow your heart and your voice has to be heard, and you can make a difference.”
Read more about the Kennett Underground Railroad tour in the Chester County Press.
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