About the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project
In the decades before the Civil War, roads and trails from Chicago to Detroit marked the journeys of people who had seized their freedom, leaving behind their enslavement in southern states. From the 1830s until the Civil War, individuals and families escaping enslavement in southern states came into Illinois with many traveling to the Chicago region.
The Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project is an Illinois non-profit organization. The Project’s mission is to work with others on Chicago’s Far South Side and in the Calumet Region for educational and charitable purposes highlighting our communities’ significance in the history of the Underground Railroad and promoting local development efforts. Our vision is that the Chicago Southland be nationally recognized as containing notable sites of the Underground Railroad and other significant elements of black history.
The Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project is an Illinois non-profit organization. The Project’s mission is to work with others on Chicago’s Far South Side and in the Calumet Region for educational and charitable purposes highlighting our communities’ significance in the history of the Underground Railroad and promoting local development efforts. Our vision is that the Chicago Southland be nationally recognized as containing notable sites of the Underground Railroad and other significant elements of black history.
From its inception as the Chicago/Calumet Underground Railroad Effort (C/CURE) formed in [DATE] the Project has been impelled by the research and vision of Professor Larry McClelland. Larry is Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Community Studies at Governors State University and has lectured and written extensively on the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois and Indiana. He has been supported in the mission by Tom Shepherd, board member and coordinator of the Project’s myriad activities.
Through research, community outreach, and educational initiatives, the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project sheds light on the stories of the people and places involved in this clandestine operation. The organization works closely with other organizations, scholars, and local communities to identify and preserve sites, documents, and family histories that shed light on this often-overlooked part of history.
Through research, community outreach, and educational initiatives, the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project sheds light on the stories of the people and places involved in this clandestine operation. The organization works closely with other organizations, scholars, and local communities to identify and preserve sites, documents, and family histories that shed light on this often-overlooked part of history.
Through various programs and events, the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project engages with individuals of all ages, fostering an appreciation for the courage and resilience of those involved in this historic journey. These initiatives include guided tours and educational workshops for schools and community organizations.
The Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project aims to inspire a deeper understanding of the fight for freedom and equality. We invite individuals of all backgrounds to delve into this fascinating history and join us in our efforts.
The Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project aims to inspire a deeper understanding of the fight for freedom and equality. We invite individuals of all backgrounds to delve into this fascinating history and join us in our efforts.
Board Members:
Larry McClellan
President
Tom Shepherd
Secretary
Rodney Harrington
Treasurer
Mari Barnes
