JANUARY 19-20, 2001

NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
NETWORK TO FREEDOM PROGRAM GATHERING

GULLAH TRACES

St. Helena Island, South Carolina

FOR A REPORT ON THE EVENT, GO TO GATHERING GULLAH TRACES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

The National Park Service (NPS) and the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, Inc., invite you to join us January 19-20, 2001 in St. Helena Island, South Carolina to learn about the unique and fascinating stories of Underground Railroad operations in the southeast region of the United States.

In the southeast region of the United States, as in other portions of the country, there are distinct tales of Underground Railroad activity. In order to tell the complete story of the Underground Railroad, it is important to broaden its context to include slavery as it existed in this region of the country.  To this end, the Southeast Region has a unique opportunity to interpret the various types of plantations where slavery existed.  More importantly, the story of daily activities as well as the various working conditions in which bonded laborers endured is extremely significant for the general public to understand what and why the enslaved were prompted to escape.  Before reaching destinations that offered freedom, runaways initially took refuge in natural areas hiding mostly in wooded areas, swamps, mountains, and bayous.  Many of these original places of shelter that are somewhat exclusive to the South lends a tremendous opportunity for the private sector and the NPS to discuss this aspect of underground activity that the general public is  commonly unaware of.

Besides these areas, Native American and maroon societies served as places of refuge for runaways. Often these communities served as original places of protection long before the runaway received shelter in homes, schools, inns, barns, churches, etc. in other regions of the country.  Though escape was one measure bondsmen and bondwomen sought to secure their freedom, resistance to human bondage derived other forms.  Prior to 1865, hundreds of thousands of enslaved and free African Americans joined the military to gain their individual freedom and to fight for the liberation of their people.  Others took a more militant approach in their resistance to bondage by staging planned or impromptu uprisings.

These various methods of resistance used by enslaved Africans are some of the intriguing stories that could and should be interpreted throughout the southeast region.  Although there are places in the region that are currently interpreting and preserving places related to antebellum slavery and the Underground Railroad, there remains numerous untold stories in the southeast region that could indeed enhance the significance of the underground story.

Come join us to learn how individuals and organizations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee are commemorating the Underground Railroad in their respective communities.  Be intrigued by the fascinating history of the Gullah community and learn more about their connections with the Underground Railroad story. Learn more on how you can become a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

LODGING

Lodging space is strictly limited We strongly urge you to make your hotel reservations before January 10, 2001 at:

ROYAL FROGMORE INN
863 Sea Island Parkway
P.O. Box 370
St. Helena Island, South Carolina 29920

(843) 838-5400

Room Rate $50 + tax.  Please mention the code: UNDERGROUND RAILROAD to receive this special rate.

TRANSPORTATION

AIRLINE: We highly recommend for those who are using air transportation to fly into Savannah, Georgia.

TRAIN:  For those traveling by AMTRAK, the nearest station is located in Yemeassee, SC.

BUS:  We suggest for those that are traveling by GREYHOUND to arrive in Beaufort, SC.

SHUTTLE SERVICE: Ground transportation from the airport (Savannah, GA) will be provided by THE GULLAH/GEECHEE SEA ISLAND COALITION and the LOWCOUNTRY LIMOSINE SERVICE.  Since St. Helena Island is a one-hour drive from Savannah, Georgia, shuttle runs will take place in the late morning and late afternoon.  We urge you to book your flights to arrive in Savannah, GA as early as 12:00 noon.  A cost of $20 round trip will be charged for this service.  ADVANCED RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED.   Those of who are traveling by train or bus, contact the Gullah/Geeechee Coalition for transportation services.  For more information, please contact: The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, P.O. Box 1207, St. Helena Island, SC 29920  (843)-838-1171.  Email: GullGeeCo@aol.com

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION: All major rental cars are located in the Savannah Airport Please make your reservations there.  We also recommend U-SAVE CAR RENTAL located in Bluffton, SC. (843) 706-2221.  Shuttle service from the Savannah, GA to Bluffton, SC is provided at airport.  Taxi Service is available from Savannah Airport to St. Helena Island at the approximate cost of $60 one-way.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2001

Early Registration

Reception

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2001

Breakfast

Speakers:

Ianatha Gantt-Wright, Diversity Manager, National Parks Conservation Association, Washington, DC

Tour

Lunch

Program

Speakers:

Mr. Jerry Gore, Founder & Director of UGRR Museum, Maysville, Kentucky

Ms. Kathe Hambric, Founder & Director, River Road African American Museum & Gallery, Gonzales, Louisiana

Mr. C.M. Boxley,  Founder & Director, Great River Foundation, Natchez, Mississippi

Ms. Alicetyne Turley Adams, Founder & Director, Yesteryear Research Unlimited, Inc.

Ms. Elaine Turner, Founder & Director, Heritage Tours Slave Haven House Museum, Memphis, TN 

"Queen Quet," Marquetta Goodwine, Founder & Director Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, Inc.

Closing Remarks

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2001

Worship Service

DIRECTIONS:

For additional information, contact the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition, (843) 838-1171 or the Royal Frogmore Inn (843) 838-5400.

WHAT TO WEAR: