The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area is pleased to offer a series of podcast stories to supplement the Journey to Freedom exhibit. Each episode tells the courageous stories various aspects of freedom seekers and Illinois.
You can listen below, or follow the full series on Spotify.
You can also listen to the full library of podcasts from the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area here, with stories from the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.
An Unusual Journey to Freedom: The Story of Henry Stevenson
Henry Stevenson spent 50 years of his life enslaved and 50 years as a freeman. Listen to his account of his unconventional path to freedom. This narrative is based on Henry Steven’s own description of his life recorded in 1895. This episode is narrated by Vanessa Ferguson and Kevin Ford.
Dr. Richard Eells: The Trials of an Underground Railroad Conductor
Helping those fleeing slavery was illegal in Illinois, and if caught, perpetrators could be prosecuted severely. Learn Dr. Eells story in this first-person narrative, and how his tribulations connect to our politicians even today.
This episode is narrated by Joe Crain.
John Anderson’s Fight for Freedom
This is a dramatized account of a freedom seeker who fled slavery in Missouri in search of liberty in Canada, the challenges that befell him, and his legal fight against extradition to the United States.
The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined, and incorporates details recounted by John Anderson and other sources.
This episode is narrated by: Connor Cantrall, Gus Gordon, and Reggie Guyton.
Susan Richardson: A Story of Slavery to Freedom in Illinois
In this episode, you will learn about a young freedom seekers harrowing flight from southern Illinois to Knox County, Illinois, and the twists and turns on her journey to self-emancipation. Assisted by abolitionists and anti-slavery activists, Susan’s story highlights that even though Illinois was a free state, aspects of slavery still existed within its borders. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Narration provided by Paris Ervin Doyle. This episode is funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Freedom Seeker Jim Gray
This episode tells the story from his perspective as an enslaved man from Missouri seeking freedom. His journey to liberty brought him through Illinois, and its subsequent events became news across the nation. The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined.
This episode is narrated by Marcus Rothenberg.
The Trial of John Hossack – Slavery on Trial in the Free State of Illinois
This is a dramatized account of John Hossack, who stood trial in 1860 for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. Hossack was accused of helping an enslaved person gain his freedom in Ottawa, Illinois.
The narrative is based on court documents using the actual words spoken during the trial. Our narrator, Robert Hitt, is a fictional observer who helps bring the real-life historic characters to life.
Narration was provided by: David Blanchette, Connor Cantrall, Doug Cantrall, Joe Crain, Tim Dyer, Curt Fleck, Brian Gilley, Jock Hedblade, Bernie Lutchman, Jim Rowley, Michael Sanchez and Chris Vallillo. This episode was funded inpart by a grant from the Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
George Burrows – Underground Railroad Conductor
A fascinating story of a Canadian born black man who chose to leave the safety of Canada to help freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
This narrative uses the actual words written by George Burroughs and reflects the times in which he lived.
Tale of Two Freedom Seekers: The Story of John and Eliza Little
Discover the Little’s courageous journey to Canada told in their own words. As part of their route north John and Eliza walked from near Cairo, Illinois to Chicago in search of freedom.
This episode is narrated by Marcus Rothenburg and Chrissy Mauck.