Combined Historical Societies' Underground Railroad event held in Lynchburg

After nearly 18 months of research, the first presentation of the Underground Railroad in Highland County was held Tuesday, Feb. 16 in Lynchburg.

More than 20 folks braved the snow, ice and cold to gather together for this event. In fact, one of the five presenters could not even get there due to road conditions in her area.

However, Caroline Hastings of Lynchburg, Jim Rooney of Hillsboro and Harold and Judy Schmidt of Greenfield were on hand to share their findings.

An extensive and detailed power point presentation including maps, pictures, letters and other research was shared with the audience.

For the first time locally, proven addresses of stations on the Underground Railroad were visually presented with actual pictures of homes and people involved. Stories were shared and beliefs were examined; for instance, are all houses commonly presumed to have been stations really stations? Were quilts really used to guide travelers? Or were small plaster jockeys used for that purpose?

This group compiled a notebook of information which could be made into a book. Since, at this time, that would be a long and expensive process, they have decided to copy the notebook for each Historical Society Library so that it is accessible to the public. And they have made a DVD of the compilation of their research available now for individual purchase.

For those who missed the Lynchburg presentation or even want to see the presentation a second or third time, the following opportunities exist: 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Highland House Museum, 151 E. Main St., Hillsboro; and 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Konneker Education Museum, 25 South St., Greenfield.