‘Train to Freedom’ trip to retrace Underground Railroad route is scheduled

Students and community members are invited to take a historical journey that retraces one of the routes of the Underground Railroad, May 2-3.

The Purdue University Calumet Ethnic Studies program is hosting “The Train to Freedom” journey. Cost is $210 per person. The deadline to register is April 1.

The trip will include the following scheduled stops:

• Battle Creek, Mich. – to the Underground Railroad Sculpture dedicated to the work of Harriet Tubman and the Sojourner Truth Monument;
• Detroit, Mich. – to visit the Museum of African American History;
• Across the Detroit River into Ontario, Canada – to visit settlements that runaway slaves established and their descendants have maintained in Chatham and North Buxton;
• Dresden, Ontario – home of Josiah Henson (the novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, is said to be based on his life)

Roy Hamilton, Purdue Calumet assistant vice chancellor for educational opportunity programs, said the trip is intended to be educational and enjoyable.

“When people look at the Anti-Slave Movement, many believe it went on in the United States alone,” Hamilton said. “Slavery was abolished in Canada in 1833; therefore, many slaves fled there and established settlements.”

Participants will travel on a luxury tour bus equipped with monitors and DVD/VCR. Cost of the trip includes four meals (two breakfasts and two dinners), guided tours and one-night hotel accommodations based on double room occupancy.

Individuals can make reservations by paying the $210 trip fee by phone (219/989-2986 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2986) using VISA or MasterCard or by delivering a check—made payable to Purdue University—to the Purdue University Calumet Student Services Business Office in the Fitness & Recreation Center, located at the south end of campus, south of 173rd Street. Other information can be obtained by contacting Hamilton at 219/989-2779 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2779.

News Release Date: February 22, 2008