While the exhibit is hosted in Urbana, there are numerous programs to expand the city’s Underground Railroad story in the community. Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities noted below.

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Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad – Traveling Exhibit Opening

Thursday, January 15, 7:00pm – 8:00pm,
at the The Urbana Free Library Busey-Mills Reading Room

Join us for a reception celebrating the opening of the travelling exhibit, Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad

View the exhibit for the first time, hear remarks from exhibit partners, and learn more about some Underground Railroad stories from east central Illinois and beyond. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP by January 12 at archives@urbanafree.org or 217-367-4057. This exhibit will be on view and open to the public at The Urbana Free Library from January 15, 2026, until March 29, 2026. Companion exhibits on east central Illinois underground stories will also be included in collaboration with the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is proudly presented by The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln.The Library is committed to making programs accessible for all. If you need an accommodation to attend a program, please let the Library know at least two weeks in advance. To request an accommodation, contact the Programming and Outreach Manager via email at programming@urbanafree.org or via phone at 217-367-4057.

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Seven Ways to Freedom: The New Philadelphia Story

Thursday, January 15, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
at the The Urbana Free Library, MacFarlane-Hood Reading Room

Discover the story of Frank McWorter and New Philadelphia, the first US town platted and registered by an African American.

This program tells the story of the Frank McWorter family, the interracial town of New Philadelphia and freedom struggles across west central Illinois and the state, and in the context of the nineteenth century struggle for freedom nationally. Frank McWorter was born enslaved but worked to purchase the freedom of his wife, himself and fourteen other family members including grandchildren.

Gerald McWorter (Abdul Alkalimat) is professor emeritus of African American studies and information at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the great-great-grandson of Frank and Lucy McWorter, the founders of New Philadelphia.

Kate Williams-McWorter is associate professor emerita of information at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and co-author with Gerald of the book New Philadelphia.

This program is co-sponsored by Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad Speakers Bureau. The Library is committed to making programs accessible for all. If you need an accommodation to attend a program, please let the Library know at least two weeks in advance. To request an accommodation, contact the Programming and Outreach Manager via email at programming@urbanafree.org or via phone at 217-367-4057.