The historical efforts by members of the Underground Railroad to help slaves in the pre-Civil War United States escape to freedom are known by many, but some Iowans may not be aware that a branch of the trail came through their home state. This weekend, the Greene County Historical Society and Jefferson Public Library are hosting historian, David Connon, to provide insight into one of Iowa’s most well-known abolitionists, Josiah Bushnell Grinnell. The former state senator and U.S. Representative spent two years prior to the war helping slaves escape westward across Iowa. On Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. in the Greene County Historical Museum, Connon will detail Grinnell’s role in the Iowa Underground Railroad and highlight the journeys taken across the state, which included stops in Guthrie and Cass Counties. The April 24 seminar is free to attend, and refreshments will be provided for participants. Contact the Greene County Historical Society or Jefferson Public Library using the information included below.
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Greene County Historical Society: 515-386-8544
Jefferson Public Library: 515-386-2835
