Landmarks Illinois has partnered with student filmmaker Catalina Parra to create an inspiring short video focused on the Underground Railroad in Illinois in an effort to illuminate this part of our state’s lesser known history. The video takes us to three documented Underground Railroad sites in Illinois: Quinn Chapel in Chicago, the Owen Lovejoy Homestead in Princeton, and the Sheldon Peck Homestead in Lombard and weaves together their unique stories to demonstrate the role Illinois played in the abolition movement in the early- to mid-19th century. By sharing this story of our state’s past, we demonstrate why it is important these historic places in Illinois are preserved for our future.

Landmarks Illinois will premiere the film at their event, “Bringing the Underground Railroad Home” on Saturday, March 9 at 3 pm at one of the sites featured in the film: Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2401 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.

In addition to the film, Historic Preservation Consultant and writer Jean Follett will discuss just a few of the vital ways that citizens of Illinois worked to help slaves to freedom in the two decades before the Emancipation Proclamation.

The event is free with registration. For more information and to register, visit the event website.