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Underground Railroad Pilgrimage


A pilgrimage is different than a tour.

“Pilgrimage is a spiritual exercise, an act of devotion to find a source of healing, or even to perform a penance. Always, it is a journey of risk and renewal. For a journey without challenge has no meaning; one without purpose has no soul.” Phil Cousineau

An invitation to join a small group of pilgrims on a journey exploring some sites of the Underground Railroad in SE Iowa.

In the mid-1800s Iowa, a free state, experienced ramifications from systemic slavery practiced in the southern states, including Missouri. One ramification was enslaved people attempting to make their way to freedom using routes through SE Iowa that lead to more northern cities and Canada. Networks of people dedicated to helping the freedom seekers formed and some of these networks came to be called the “underground railroad”. Due to the nature of this work not much information about the Underground Railroad was recorded, and the information we do have is mostly anecdotal.

This pilgrimage will explore circumstances and issues associated with the Underground Railroad and visit three actual sites on the “Network to Freedom”. Stories can help give a clearer picture of the practice of enslavement then; as well as now. While not an easy topic, one begins to appreciate the courage and commitment of the freedom seekers and abolitionists in Iowa’s early history.

We will enjoy the deepening conversations as we open ourselves to the Spirit and to the stories on this pilgrimage.

GENERAL SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct 7, 2022

Gather at New Song in Coralville at 8:30AM

Travel to Salem and Keosauqua

Overnight in Keosauqua

Saturday, Oct 8, 2022

Travel to Bentonsport and Bonaparte

Home by 2:00PM

COSTS

Pilgrimage fee: $70 covers the gathering room, two meals, and honoraria.

Participants pay for their own hotel room ($75- $100+ at the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua), two lunches, and travel (tbd)

10 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Registration deadline: Sept. 23 2022

Online orientation: Oct. 3, 2022

Travel days: Oct. 7 – Oct. 8, 2022

Contact Ellen Bruckner for more info ellenwb@mchsi.com / 319-377-8795

Sponsored by Three Rivers Chapter and Beloved Community Initiative


REGISTRATION

Earlier Event: October 1
Worship
Later Event: October 8
Worship