Church Creek, MD – The National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom accepted the Darby Friends Meetinghouse and School site, in Darby, Pennsylvania., as one of 23 new listings, from the 46th round of applications, representing sites and programs in 14 states across the U.S. and Canada. These new listings, alongside more than 750 sites, facilities, and programs already in the Network, provide insight into the diverse experiences of freedom seekers who bravely escaped slavery and allies who assisted them.
“Our national program has been dedicated to preserving and commemorating stories of freedom for the past 25 years.” says Ka’mal McClarin, acting National Program Manager. “Today, we find ourselves at a crucial turning point that marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey to honor the bravery and resilience of countless known and unknown freedom seekers through various sites, programs, and facilities. This round of nominations highlights 19 unique locations and four new programs, casting light on the courageous journeys of those who sought their freedom and the allies who supported them. As we welcome these 23 new additions to our collection of over 740 stories, we are reminded that pursuing freedom is a tapestry woven with courage, resilience, and interracial unity. Together, we continue to uncover and celebrate the profound legacy of the Underground Railroad, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of liberty and justice for all.”
The Darby Friends Meeting and School played a vital role in the life of freedom seeker and rescued kidnapping victim, Allen Rickets (c.1820-1910). After taking his freedom with other family members from their enslaver near Baltimore, MD at age 11 in the early 1830s, his well-documented story chronicles the outcome of the values of the community as displayed in his finding safe harbor among them, his education at the Darby Friends School, and the support the Darby Quakers provided to rescue him from a later kidnapping. The Darby Quaker community had a long tradition of advocacy for anti-slavery causes and was home to many operatives in Underground Railroad work.
About The Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom serves to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide. The Network currently represents over 740 locations in 40 states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its mission, the Network to Freedom helps to advance the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression.
