From September 3 through November 30, 2026, Looking for Lincoln presents the travelling exhibit, Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad. The courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them are highlighted in this new exhibit about the Underground Railroad in Illinois. Learn about the network of people, who often at great risk to themselves, collaborated to assist those searching for freedom and dignity.
Viewers will learn more about the communities from Cairo through Springfield to Quincy and Chicago that were stops on the Underground Railroad. Other featured communities are Brooklyn/Freedom Village, Miller Grove, Rocky Fork, Galesburg, Mount Hope, Jacksonville, and New Philadelphia.
The exhibit includes first-person interpretive videos and information about some of the courageous individuals who participated in the Underground Railroad. Where imagery was not available, custom illustrations were produced, bringing a face and personality to these important stories.
In partnership with Bloomington Public Library, this exhibit will be on display in Community Room 1 during Bloomington Public Library's open hours through November 30, 2026.
Patrons are also invited to attend these companion programs:
September 3 - The Underground Railroad in McLean County
October 15 - Lucy Pettengill, Underground Railroad Operator
November 14 - Joseph Rodney: Freedom Seeker on the Illinois Central Railroad
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad exhibit was produced by The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln. The heritage area covers a vast swath of Central Illinois and is commissioned to tell the stories of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, which includes the stories of freedom seekers moving through the area.