The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program

Last Updated: June 2008

The Underground Railroad was the name given to the informal, early 19th century network of routes, safe houses, and allies, that helped guide enslaved Africans and African Americans during their escape from slavery to freedom. The Underground Railroad "ran" not just from the southern United States, north and into Canada, but west to Mexico and California, south into the Caribbean, and to a variety of international destinations that also held the promise of freedom.

A Congressional Mandate to Honor Resistance to Slavery

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program (NTF), was established by the National Park Service in July of 1998 (Public Law 105-203), to increase public knowledge and understanding of the Underground Railroad. The NTF matches Park Service resources (time, people, and when available, grant money) with local expertise thus enabling communities, institutions, and national park units all across the United States to more capably tell their part of the Underground Railroad story. The NTF program currently has over 300 partners (sites, programs, and facilities) active in 30 states and the District of Columbia.

Unfortunately, the NTF, the only national program dedicated to the protection, interpretation, and dissemination of Underground Railroad history, has suffered from a near crippling funding shortfall, which continues to threaten the very existence of this unique program.

Helping the National Park Service Save African American History

This year, NPCA successfully lobbied to increase the authorized funding level for the Network to Freedom program to $2.5 million. Passage of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act does not, however, guarantee that Congress will support the Network at the necessary level via the annual appropriations process. As we celebrate this hard fought victory, the struggle to save this unique Park Service program continues, as does our commitment to help protect and preserve this important part of our national heritage.

Learn More About How You Can Help Save the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program

Contact Alan Spears at 202.454.3384 or by at aspears@npca.org.