International Underground Railroad Month

For many states, September represents International Underground Railroad Month. In 2019, The State of Maryland proclaimed September as International Underground Railroad Month. In 2020, the states Maryland and Michigan were trailblazers in the effort to include more states in this celebration, working with the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom to connect with verified Underground Railroad sites, facilities, and programs from across the United States.

September was chosen to represent International Underground Railroad Month 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.

September, 2024

Network to Freedom Special Events

Special Speaker: Dr. Schroeder - September 12th from 6-7pm

Dr. Jonathan D.S. Schroeder will deliver a virtual webinar on insights from his newly edited book, "The United States Governed by Six Hundred Thousand Despots," which highlights the long-lost autobiography of John Swanson Jacobs and its relevance to the history of the Underground Railroad. ohn Swanson Jacobs is Harriet Jacob's sister. Harriet Jacobs escaped from Edenton, North Carolina and wrote an autobiography called "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl." https://asalh.zoom.us/j/87212838358?pwd=faNSx1gsaZ4jYbdBAOS7bsS1VK4Onj.1

Footsteps to Freedom: The Historic Link Between Sacrifice, Triumph, and the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement

September 13th and 14th
This two day event at Harriet Tubman National Underground Railroad National Historic Park. The event, Footsteps to Freedom: The Historic Link Between Sacrifice, Triumph, and the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement event is a huge celebration of Harriet Tubman’s Emancipation Day, International Underground Railroad Month, and the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Special Speaker: Dr. Etta L. Fields - Black will be delivering the keynote address on September 14th. She will also be talking about her new book "COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War" and recognizing descendants in the Combahee Freedom Seekers delegation.
Footsteps to Freedom: The Historic Link Between Sacrifice, Triumph, and the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement - Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Special Speaker: Dr. Tony Frazier September 19th 4-5pm

Dr. Tony Frazier is scheduled to deliver a virtual webinar on insights into Freedom Seeking in Great Britain and its significance to the history of the Underground Railroad.
https://asalh.zoom.us/j/81802155505?pwd=pEfud3y5M6Vkka1RbhMMSGbU1t9NJR.1
Photograph of Harriet Tubman floats above an image of Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Travel with Tubman

Hosted by the new National Park Service App, discover 13 places important to Harriet Tubman in honor of her 200th birthday.

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Social Media Takeover

Follow along on our International Underground Railroad Month Social Media Takeover via this article series.

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Partner Communications Toolkit

Find tools to communicate about International Underground Railroad Month.

September 2021

Stargazer's silhouette illuminated by stars
Partner Communications Toolkit

Find tools to communicate about International Underground Railroad Month.

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Network to Freedom Photo Contest

The first winner of the Network to Freedom Photo Contest has been chosen! Visit our Photo Contest Web Page to see our entries and winner.

Map with arrows pointing in all directions, representing paths taken by freedom seekers.
Story Map

Underground Railroad history impacts nations around the world. Use this story map to learn about the movement's international context.

Network to Freedom Events

What events were hosted by the Network to Freedom during International Underground Railroad Month in 2021? Explore below.

Special Programming by Network to Freedom Members

Network to Freedom Members across the country have special programming offerings during International Underground Railroad Month. Learn more about the program opportunities and Underground Railroad stories below.


September 2020

A map showing which states, counties, cities and towns declared September International UGRR Month
International UGRR Month Interactive Map

Curious to who declared September 2020 International Underground Railroad Month? Explore this map and find out!

Events by Network to Freedom Members

  • Blue bells lining a dirt pathway with trees along the side of the road.
    Explore the Network to Freedom

    The Network lists Sites, Facilities, and Programs with a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. Explore the listings here!

  • A photograph of Fort Pulaski with a Digital Passport® Stamp in the left hand corner.
    Get Stamped!

    Check out the Network to Freedom Virtual Passport® Stamps to find virtual experiences and cancellations.

  • Image of a family talking to a Park Ranger at an in-person program
    Underground Railroad Experiences

    Want to check out some Underground Railroad experiences? Check out the stories Network to Freedom sites are sharing online.

Last updated: September 12, 2024