Sailing to Freedom:  Recovering and Re-centering the Maritime Dimension of the Underground Railroad

While scholarship on the Underground Railroad has focused almost exclusively on overland escape routes from the antebellum South, new research expands our understanding of how freedom was achieved by sea and what this journey looked like for untold numbers of African Americans. Dr. Timothy Walker, Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, will highlight little-known stories of freedom-seeking by sea and describe the less-understood maritime side of the Underground Railroad.  

This event is generously sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center. 

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Speaker Series brings discussion about Chesapeake-related topics to the Van Lennep Auditorium. Events vary, but often include talks by industry experts, discussions with community members, performances by local artists, and screenings of relevant films. Regardless of the topic, each program will leave you with a greater appreciation for the people and environment of the Chesapeake Bay.

CBMM’s speaker events are offered in a hybrid format with options for both in-person and virtual tickets. The link to view the program virtually will be provided to all registrants before the program.


Friday December 6
This event is no longer on sale.
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Sailing to Freedom:  Recovering and Re-centering the Maritime Dimension of the Underground Railroad
Friday December 6

5:30 PM
6:45 PM