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"Quest for Freedom" Trail Explores African-American History And Culture In Historic Philadelphia And Beyond Program Connects Underground Railroad Sites Through New Living History Programs, Tours, Web site And Brochure

Press Release

“QUEST FOR FREEDOM” TRAIL EXPLORES AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA AND BEYOND
Program Connects Underground Railroad Sites Through New Living History Programs, Tours, Web site And Brochure

PHILADELPHIA, June 19, 2007 - The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) joined with more than 20 organizations to announce the launch of Quest for Freedom, a statewide initiative bringing the history of the Underground Railroad to the public’s attention through six heritage trails throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia’s Quest for Freedom program features three main components: a Web site, a brochure and summer programming that includes living history performances, special exhibitions and tours. The project also encompasses the President’s House Commemorative Site, now making national news as archaeologists uncover new evidence around the lives of the enslaved Africans who lived there during George Washington’s presidency.

President's House Commemorative Site Excavation

Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC

The goal of the Quest for Freedom program is to build awareness of Philadelphia’s leadership role in the anti-slavery and Underground Railroad movement and the impact that leaders such as Robert Purvis, William Still, Lucretia Mott, Harriet Forten and others in the community had not only locally, but nationally and internationally. The program also aims to animate the stories and drive visitation to the sites throughout the region.

Here’s a look at the what’s in store this summer:

Tours: Visitors can learn about Philadelphia’s place in the Underground Railroad movement at their own pace with the new Quest for Freedom brochure and Web site, found at www.gophila.com/questforfreedom. The program also includes weekly guided walking tours in July that begin at the President’s House and end at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. Lastly, a monthly trolley tour, Taking a Stand for Freedom, takes riders to many Underground Railroad sites from July through September.
President’s House Commemorative Site: The archaeological dig at the President’s House has surprised even some historians by turning up evidence of the enslaved individuals who President George Washington kept at the former Executive Mansion. Located adjacent to the Liberty Bell Center, the site offers a stark contrast between our nation’s independence and the paradox of slavery. The President’s House will be the starting point for weekly walking tours that begin in July.
Living History Programs: Every Saturday from June 23 through September 1, historical re-enactments, storytelling, theatrical productions and more will take place at key sites, including the Mother Bethel A.M.E Church, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum, Belmont Mansion and the Atwater Kent Museum. Each event helps piece together the city’s anti-slavery movement by highlighting the struggles and triumphs of freedom-seekers.

“Philadelphia was a major passageway to freedom and led the world in anti-slavery activities. The region’s activists formed a continuous escape route northbound to Canada that provided food, shelter and places to hide along the way. Through Quest for Freedom, we are providing ways for the public to access this compelling story through guided tours and programs that recount the stories at sites throughout the region,” said Patricia Washington, vice president of grants and development, GPTMC.

Philadelphia’s Quest for Freedom program is funded by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s Cultural & Heritage Tourism Program and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society Endowment Fund at the Philadelphia Foundation.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside™ a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

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CONTACT:

Anthony Malerba, GPTMC
(215) 599-2291, anthony@gptmc.com

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