Please note: this public program will be filmed for C-SPAN's American History TV channel. Extra lighting and cameras will be present. 

On Monday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m., the National Archives in partnership with Park University, will host the 16thAnnual Park University Spencer Cave Lecture with Dr. Spencer Crew and Dr. Matthew Pinsker. A moderated conversation about the Underground Railroad will be this year’s focus. A free light reception will precede the program at 6:00 p.m.  

The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor an actual railroad. Its name reflects the activities which were carried out in secret, using darkness or disguise, and because railway terms were used by those involved with the system to describe how it worked. Various routes were lines, stopping places were known as stations, those who aided along the way were conductors and their charges were known as packages or freight. The network of routes extended through 14 Northern states and “the promised land” of Canada – beyond the reach of fugitive-slave hunters. Historians Dr. Spencer Crew and Dr. Matthew Pinsker will talk with Dr. Timothy Westcott, of Park University, about the past, present and future initiatives to engage, teach and preserve local, regional, and national historic sites related to the Underground Railroad.

The Spencer Cave Black History Month Lecture Series is named for Spencer Cave, who was born a slave at the start of the Civil War, later moved to Parkville, Missouri, in 1875 (the year Park University was founded) and worked for the University for more than 70 years before his death in 1947. This year’s lecture is sponsored by Park University’s Program of History and the Organization of American Historians. This program is presented in partnership with Park University.

Reservations are requested for this free program by calling 816-268-8010 or emailing //archives.gov/kansas-city/press/2015/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; background: transparent; color: rgb(25, 106, 212); outline: none;">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Requests for ADA accommodations must be submitted five business days prior to events.

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