A new exhibit highlighting the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois are featured in a new exhibit, Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad, which will be open to to the public at the Jacksonville Area Museum starting Saturday, April 11 through August 1, 2026. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
The exhibit tells selected stories of freedom seekers, conductors and communities in Illinois that were part of the journey to freedom on the Illinois Underground Railroad. Using photos, videos, maps, personal stories, and illustrations created specifically for the exhibit, visitors will learn the about the people and communities who took part in this hidden history. In addition, the Jacksonville Area Museum will feature local stories to enhance the exhibit.
The Jacksonville Area Museum will also offer several free public programs to support the exhibit during its nearly five-month run in the city. Those events can be found on our events page.
Highlighted stories in the exhibit include freedom seekers John and Eliza Little, who traveled barefoot through Illinois to Canada to gain their freedom, or conductors like Henry who worked for Abraham Lincoln, and Mary Ann King Brown who helped the enslaved to freedom in the Springfield, Quincy and Galena areas.
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is proudly presented by The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln.
“We are so honored to share this new exhibit with the Jacksonville community,” said Sarah Watson, executive director of Looking for Lincoln. “Many of these Illinois Underground Railroad stories have not been shared in one place. It is so inspiring to learn more about the bravery of all these people who took so many risks to fight against slavery for the basic rights for themselves and others.”
Jacksonville Area Museum Manager Tori Kolanowski added, “Jacksonville has such a rich and vivid Underground Railroad and Abolitionist history, and this exhibit will showcase that part of the community’s heritage like never before.”
Journey to Freedom will be available and open to the public during regular business hours at the Jacksonville Area Museum, which are 10 am to 4 pm Wednesdays and Saturdays and 1 to 4 pm on Sundays.