Maryland was the starting point of many unsung heroes of the Underground Railroad. Freedom seekers embarked on the perilous journey from slavery to freedom in whatever way they could. “Maryland Freedom Seekers on the Underground Railroad” will be an online presentation from Montgomery History that will be available for a one-week period starting Monday, Feb. 19.
Jenny Masur, a former National Capital Region manager for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, will tell the stories of those involved. To access the free presentation, go to History Conversations (montgomeryhistory.org).
Among the stories are those involving John Thompson, who signed onto a whaling ship; James Watkins, who sailed to England and became a lecturer on slavery; and Hester Norman, who fled, was caught and was rescued by the Black community in her husband’s Pennsylvania town. They used ruses and found allies to elude slave catchers, but lived in constant fear until they obtained their freedom papers.
In their adventures, these freedom seekers used initiative, determination and courage. These qualities served them well, as they achieved freedom.
