Thank you to the contributing authors to the Sailing to Freedom volume, our keynote speaker, Fergus M. Bordewich, and other historians for a conference that examines the historical record and recent research about the maritime Underground Railroad.

The assembled scholars and historians shared their various views and expertise about the experiences of freedom seekers and those who assisted their escape from enslavement through the maritime Underground Railroad. The conference was presented in partnership with the New Bedford Historical Society, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

Presentations and lectures were held on September 23, with September 24 reserved for visiting Underground Railroad sites in New Bedford. The conference was free and open to the public.

Sailing to Freedom Interview

Loretta Blake, President of New Bedford Historical Society

Residents, educators, visitors, and, more recently, attended the Sailing to Freedom conference in New Bedford, MA. They were incredibly moved by the stories of freedom seekers and those who assisted their journey through the maritime Underground Railroad. The Sailing to Freedom exhibit at the New Bedford Whaling Museum was a testament to the power of resilience and hope in facing adversity. Welcome to our immersive virtual exhibit, and we look forward to you enjoying this unique experience. Here are some words of wisdom and encouragement from Lee Blake, President of the New Bedford Historical Society. Truly inspiring!

Digitally Curated By: Mansa Consulting, Inc.