Event Details

September 3rd at 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive Street, Bloomington, IL

{ "name":"The Underground Railroad in McLean County: Separating Fact from Fiction with Bill Kemp", "description":"

Join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library as we examine a pivotal chapter in U.S. history too long obscured by bogus stories and myth making. The Museum's Librarian, Bill Kemp, will note local legends and delve into real, documented stories of freedom seekers passing through McLean County on the Underground Railroad, separating fact from fiction. 

This free, public program will be on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30pm in person in Community Room 2 or watch the livestream on the BPL YouTube page.  This program is presented in partnership with the Bloomington Public Library.

Heather Feezor from Looking for Lincoln will provide introductory remarks to promote the opening of the Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad traveling exhibit, a project by The Abraham Lincoln Heritage Coalition, also known as Looking for Lincoln.

Attendees of this program will be able to preview the exhibit, which will open to the public on September 4 through November 30, 2026 the library's Community Room 1. 

Questions about this program can be emailed to Sara or Marcie at reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org.

", "startDate":"2026-09-03", "endDate":"2026-09-04", "startTime":"06:30", "endTime":"07:30", "location":"Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive Street, Bloomington, IL", "label":"Add to Calendar", "options":[ "Google", "Apple", "iCal", "Outlook.com" ], "timeZone":"America/Chicago", "trigger":"click", "iCalFileName":"Reminder-Event" }

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Join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library as we examine a pivotal chapter in U.S. history too long obscured by bogus stories and myth making. The Museum's Librarian, Bill Kemp, will note local legends and delve into real, documented stories of freedom seekers passing through McLean County on the Underground Railroad, separating fact from fiction. 

This free, public program will be on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30pm in person in Community Room 2 or watch the livestream on the BPL YouTube page.  This program is presented in partnership with the Bloomington Public Library.

Heather Feezor from Looking for Lincoln will provide introductory remarks to promote the opening of the Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad traveling exhibit, a project by The Abraham Lincoln Heritage Coalition, also known as Looking for Lincoln.

Attendees of this program will be able to preview the exhibit, which will open to the public on September 4 through November 30, 2026 the library's Community Room 1. 

Questions about this program can be emailed to Sara or Marcie at reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org.