Beginning in 2022, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom began a multi-year project to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. This project highlights the untold stories of enslaved people seeking freedom during the Revolutionary Era. Research has been conducted by a team of interns guided by Network to Freedom staff and historians, as well as scholars engaged in the field of study, and we have also coordinated with other national park sites, including Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and their internship team. The project will explore various topics, including the military service of freedom seekers during the Revolutionary Era, self-emancipation during the chaos it brought, and identifying the patterns and methods in freedom seeking. In addition, researchers will create biographical sketches of individuals, a database of those who sought and found freedom, and related primary documents. Claiming Freedom in the Revolutionary Era is a partnership of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, the National Park Service, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Park Foundation, and the Greening Youth Foundation. The project seeks to explore the meaning of freedom during the Revolutionary Era by researching the lived experience of enslaved individuals associated with national park sites. As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the research on freedom seekers in the Revolutionary Era will highlight the stories associated with African American freedom and civil rights, and it is these stories we will tell here. Dr. Ka'mal McClarin is our internal Claiming Freedom Project Manager, kamal_mcclarin@nps.gov Dr. Dann J. Broyld is our external Claiming Freedom Project Manager, dbroyld@asalh.org To learn more about the freedom seekers our team has uncovered, visit the Freedom Seekers Tab The research team tab explores who is involved in the Claiming Freedom Project Underground Railroad Handbook
Read our updated Underground Railroad Handbook with thematic essays with our nation's top scholars! Harry Washington Story Map
Explore the life of Harry Washington, whose journey took him from slavery in the Great Dismal Swamp to freedom in West Africa. Freedom Seekers
Discover stories of freedom seekers during the Revolutionary Era Research Team
Learn more about our project research team Partnerships
Find out more about our partners behind Claiming Freedom |
Last updated: June 20, 2024