Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground RR

"Quilt Whisperer" Connie Martin provides an American historical information presentation from research on her family history to reveal secret codes in quilts as a 6th-generation descendant of enslaved Africans in Kentucky.

Connie finds joy in sharing stories of her great-grandmother, Lizzie, as told to her from her enslaved mother, who told stories of plantation escapes, traveling through Kentucky, Missouri, and into Illinois to freedom in Canada.

Learn the untold history of secret safe routes, and codes used on the Underground Railroad, including special stitching in the quilts; used throughout our counties - including use of Illinois rivers and streams that freedom seekers used to follow using abolitionist guides who risked their lives assisting them to Canada.

This event is possible through the generous support of the Illinois Humanities through the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. A special thanks to our event partner, the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures, for hosting.