About the Network to Freedom

The Network to Freedom logo.

NPS/ SHELLEY HARPER

The National Park Service operates a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program to coordinate preservation and education efforts nationwide and integrate local historical places, museums, and interpretive programs associated with the Underground Railroad into a mosaic of community, regional, and national stories.

The NPS project builds upon and is supported by community initiatives around the country as well as legislation passed in 1990 and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998. Historic places, educational or interpretive programs, and research facilities associated with the Underground Railroad will become part of a network, eligible to use or display a uniform network logo, receive technical assistance and participate in program work shops.

The Network will also serve to facilitate communication and networking between researchers and interested parties, and aid in the development of statewide organizations for preserving and researching Underground Railroad sites. The program currently has over 600 members of different sites, facilities and programs that have a connection to the Underground Railroad.

Currently the Network to Freedom makes up 619 sites, programs and facilities in 40 states, including Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The following chart shows the make-up of these locations.

The number of Network to Freedom locations in each state as of July 2018.