Delaware County Recognizes September as International Underground Railroad Month

Released: September 24, 2021

Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden presented a resolution to Delaware County Historical Society Executive Director Laurie Grant at the Delaware County Historical Society in Chester on September 23 recognizing September as International Underground Railroad Month.

The month of September has been recognized in many states and by the National Park Service as International Underground Railroad Month, a time set aside to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role that the Underground Railroad Network served in the fight for freedom. September was chosen because it was the month that two of the most well-known freedom seekers and Underground Railroad operatives, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, escaped from slavery.

Delaware County is home to many historic homes, halls, mills, and farms that were vital parts of the Underground Railroad network that helped enslaved people escape from bondage. The County was home to untold numbers of men and women, including abolitionists and formerly enslaved persons, who risked their own freedom to help freedom seekers escape bondage.

Delaware County is also home to the Historic Eden Cemetery, in Collingdale, the burial site of many freedom seekers and abolitionists with connections to the Underground Railroad including Henrietta Duterte, James Forten, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Stephen Smith, William Still "Father of the Underground Railroad" and William Whipper.

The Delaware County Historical Society houses an impressive collection of artifacts and information representing the collective history of Delaware County and proudly remains true to its original mission from 1895 -“To collect, protect, and preserve the history and culture of Delaware County and make it accessible through strong educational outreach.” The location houses a Research Library, a Museum Gallery, a Children’s Education Center, and several period themed rooms filled with furniture from as early as the 17th century.

The Delaware County Historical Society is open to the public, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Private appointments and group tours are available upon request. Visits are free, with donations graciously accepted. For more information, please email dchs.pa@gmail.com or call (610) 359-0832.