Five Iowans who were equal rights advocates and likely involved in the Underground Railroad will be the subject of a free public lecture on Thursday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Senate Chamber of the University of Iowa Old Capitol Museum. Light refreshments will be provided.
Iowans who were active in the Underground Railroad will be featured in a public talk at Old Capitol Museum March 28. Graphic courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa.
Douglas Jones, archaeologist with the State Historical Society of Iowa, will explore the equal rights beliefs and activities of five Iowans and their families: Isaac Brandt of Des Moines, Edmund Booth of Anamosa, Edward Russell of LeClaire and Davenport, Alexander Clark, Sr. of Muscatine, and Ann Coppoc Raley of Springdale. A brief discussion of William Penn Clarke of Iowa City and his association with John Brown will follow.
Jones is one of the archaeologists and the Review and Compliance Program manager on staff at the State Historic Preservation Office, State Historical Society of Iowa, Department of Cultural Affairs in Des Moines. Originally from the town of Olin, located in Jones County, he has worked at the State Historic Preservation Office for the past 16 years and has served as the archaeological advisor and as a historical researcher on the Iowa Freedom Trail Grant Project documenting the people, places, and events associated with Abolitionist and Underground Railroad Activities in Iowa. Jones is currently serving as the project manager of the Iowa Freedom Trail Project for the State Historical Society of Iowa.
The lecture is offered in conjunction with the current exhibit “Gone to See the Elephant: The Civil War through the Eyes of Iowa Soldiers.”
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the Old Capitol Museum in advance at 319-335-0548. For more information on the UI Pentacrest Museums and Old Capitol Museum, visit www.uiowa.edu/oldcap/ or call 319-335-0548.