Detroit Historical Society Field Curator Billy Wall-Winkle will present a lecture exploring Detroit’s pivotal role as a major station on the Underground Railroad. Thousands of freedom seekers passed through Detroit, codenamed Midnight, crossing the Detroit River into Canada with the help of a dedicated and determined abolitionist community. Despite intense local opposition and constant threats from slave catchers and law enforcement, Detroit’s abolitionists persisted—protecting runaways, coordinating covert journeys, and playing a crucial role in the fight for freedom. crossing the Detroit River into Canada with the help of a dedicated and determined abolitionist community. Despite intense local opposition and constant threats from slave catchers and law enforcement, Detroit’s abolitionists persisted—protecting runaways, coordinating covert journeys, and playing a crucial role in the fight for freedom.
Please note! The Detroit Historical Museum is CLOSED on Saturday, May 2 for a private event.