The Underground Railroad was a secret network established by American abolitionists or free staters to aid those who were enslaved in their journey north to freedom. This organized travel system consisted of safe houses and other areas where freedom seekers would be fed, offered shelter, and provided transportation to their next stop. In this program, learn about the history of the Underground Railroad and the stops along the trail that still exist within our Manhattan community today.

Originally from Augusta, Kansas, Allana Parker received a B.S. in History along with a minor in Leadership Studies from Kansas State University and M.A. in Museum Studies from the University of Kansas. She served as Curator of Design with the Riley County Historical Museum for ten years and currently serves as treasurer for the Kansas Museums Association and member of the Kansas State Historical Society Foundation board.