Virtual Events: Underground Railroad History in Frankford, Two-Part Community Event – Feb 16 & 25

Posted by Riverfront North Partnership on February 15, 2022

This is a 2-part event inspired by the Underground Railroad history of Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood and its connections to the Delaware River.

Part I: Freedom on the Delaware River: The Maritime Underground Railroad led by walking artist Ken Johnston.

For enslaved Africans, Philadelphia was the threshold of freedom, and the nearby Delaware River was an important escape route. While most commercial ship traffic on the Delaware River traveled downstream, the Underground Railroad flowed in reverse. Tune in to learn more about Ken’s research into the river’s role helping people escape from slavery, and his artistic process for his project Up The Creek in Frankford next week.

Date and Time: February 17, 2022, 7:00 PM

Where: Online on Zoom. Register.

Cost: FREE

Part 2: Up The Creek: The Frankford Underground Railroad Light Parade

An art workshop and light parade to honor the Underground Railroad in Frankford.  Walking artist Ken Johnston leads a lantern-making workshop and community light parade in honor of Black History Month. Adults and children are invited to come decorate a lantern and join Ken in a walk retracing Frankford’s Underground Railroad history.

Date: February 25, 2022 (Rain date: February 28)

Time:

• 5:00-6:30 PM –  Lantern Workshop – Register.
• 6:30 PM – Light Parade (1 mile walk, Open to all, meet on porch at Garsed Center)

Where: Garsed Center – 4704 Leiper St, Philadelphia, PA

Cost: FREE – lanterns, materials, and hot drinks provided.

Questions? Contact Gina Craigo at [email protected].