You are invited on a journey of discovery aboard an Underground Railroad pilgrimage - a journey exploring sites and history of the Underground Railroad in SE Iowa and a journey within ourselves.

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 some 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”.

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

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 Spirit and to the stories.

GENERAL SCHEDULE

Friday, Oct 4, 2024

8:30 am gather at New Song in Coralville

Travel to Salem and Keosauqua

Overnight in Keosauqua

Saturday, Oct 5, 2024

Travel to Bentonsport and Bonaparte

Home 3:00 pm

COSTS

Pilgrimage fee: $70 covers the gathering room, breakfast, honoraria and materials.

Participants pay for their own hotel room (about $100+ at the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua www.hotelmanning.com); two lunches, one dinner and travel (tbd)

10 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Registration deadline: Fri. Sept. 27 2024

Online orientation: Mon. Sept 30, 2024

Sponsored by Beloved Community Initiative