A new exhibit, Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad, will be on view and open to the public at The Urbana Free Library from January 15, 2026, through March 31, 2026. This free exhibit highlights the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
The Library invites the public to a special exhibit opening event on Thursday, January 15, from 7-8 pm. There, attendees can 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, and those wishing to attend should RSVP by January 12 at archives@urbanafree.org or (217) 367-4025.
The exhibit tells selected stories of freedom seekers, conductors, and communities in Illinois that were part of the journey to freedom on the Illinois Underground Railroad. Using photos, maps, personal stories, and illustrations created specifically for the exhibit, visitors will learn about the people and communities who took part in this hidden history.
Alongside the traveling exhibit, staff at The Urbana Free Library collaborated with community partners at the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail to develop companion exhibits highlighting Underground Railroad stories with ties to east central Illinois history.
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is proudly presented by the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln. “We are so honored to share this new exhibit with the community,” said Sarah Watson, executive director of Looking for Lincoln. “Many of these Illinois Underground Railroad stories have not been shared in one place. It is so inspiring to learn more about the bravery of all these people who took so many risks to fight against slavery for the basic rights for themselves and others.”
Local exhibit committee members from the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and The Urbana Free Library hope to showcase the role of east central Illinois in such a major historical movement. The exhibit committee shared, “Many believe that east central Illinois had little to no involvement in the Underground Railroad. However, freedom seekers and their allies built a quiet but powerful network here. Neighbors and some east central Illinois communities became safe havens on the journey north. Special companion exhibits will reveal some of the hidden stories of courage, resistance, and community that shaped the region’s Underground Railroad activity.”
The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition is the coordinating entity for the 43-county Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. For more information, please visit www.lookingforlincoln.org.
The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail is a celebration of the lives and contributions of African Americans in the Champaign County area. The mission is to educate today’s residents and visitors about the rich cultural history of a people whose stories have been largely unrecognized, but who directly shaped the place we call home. For more information, please visit www.ccafricanamericanheritage.org.
For exhibit information and updates, residents can sign up for The Urbana Free Library’s monthly newsletter, visit the Library’s website, or follow its Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated.
Founded in 1874, The Urbana Free Library has been serving the Urbana community for over 150 years and is one of the oldest public libraries in Illinois. The Library is led by a Board of Trustees appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council.