Community Chat

[Oznell]

Apologies if this has already been alerted, but I just got back from the Post Office where they had these nifty new stamps honoring the Underground Railroad movement.

How wonderful-- especially that the emphasis is on the cooperation that it took, among citizens of all backgrounds, to perpetuate the safe passage of tens of thousands of slaves to freedom.

And there are so many who could be recognized.  This is a school's classroom depiction or poster of some of the "conductors" (guides), which overlaps with the stamp roster of illustrious names.

"A Ride for Liberty-- the Fugitive Slaves".   This painting by Eastman Johnson, vividly depicts a family's perilous flight to freedom:  

The Underground Railroad was a phenomenon that could be featured in a whole series of historical stamps.

In addition to featuring the brave individuals, the writers, abolitionists, freed people of color, clergy, farmers and others who fueled the metaphorical railroad, they could also depict in stamps, if they haven't already, the still-existing buildings that served as way stations and safe houses for those fleeing.

I love it when you come across these signs.  This is one for an Underground Railroad station in Indiana.

Way stations could be anything from tiny abandoned cabins, to prosperous farms and homes.  This one in Illinois still stands proudly:

Kudos to the Postal Service for highlighting this history.

[bikerbabe]

Love this 💕

[cheriere]

@Oznell    I love ❤️ this too!  I'm so glad our Postal Service chose this to honor.💝

[ValuSkr]

There are only ten different stamps.  The 10 people being commemorated are Harriet Tubman, William Still, Thomas Garrett, Laura Haviland, Reverend Jermain Loguen, Catharine Coffin, Lewis Hayden, William Lambert, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Jacobs.

Maybe USPS will have more in the series later.
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[SandySparkles]

👏👏👏This is such a VITAL and  RICH part of our history that should be celebrated!!!💖 I commend the Postal Service for such prestigious recognition!!!💝💝 I seldom buy stamps these days, but will ABSOLUTELY purchase some in honor of something so monumental!🥰 THANK you SO much for sharing this feel good post that we can ALL be proud of!❤

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[Mz iMac]

Decendants live in Camden Co, New Jersey.  I think Lindenwald or Lawnside.  I get those 2 towns mixed up.  Maybe both?

Huge well respected family.  I use to work w/a Still who was "married" into the family.

The underground railroad homes, some are still standing in the above mentioned towns.

[cheriere]

@Mz iMac     I love what you shared in your post.💝. I'll bet it was really interesting working with that lady.  I'd love to do a tour of the Underground Railroad homes and Museum.💝

[Oznell]

Your contact with one of the Stills-- how fascinating, @Mz iMac !  So neat that his relatives still abound in those towns. 

@cheriere ,  those would be fantastic to tour.   In at least one of the places I've lived, I've had locals point out houses, seemingly in remote farming areas, where the owners hid and protected escaping slaves who were following creeks or rivers to freedom.  Would love to see the interiors.

By the way, forgot to mention that on the back of the pack of stamps, they've printed the various winding routes of the Underground Railroad-- very informative.    

[cheriere]

@Oznell    I'm going to have to try and get those stamps.  It would be so nice to be able to learn about each of these important figures. 💝

[Love to Run]

If you're ever in Memphis, Slave Haven is a wonderful Underground Railroad museum converted from one of the more humble stops. You can actually tour the hidden areas in the home used to hide enslaved people. 

Thanks for sharing @Oznell.