Underground Railroad History In Montco Explored In Upcoming Program

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — A local organization will lead an upcoming program addressing the role of what is now Pennsylvania's third most populous county during the time of the Underground Railroad.

The Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville will host "History of the Underground Railroad in Montgomery County" on Sept. 3 from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

The program, which is free and open to members of the public, is designed to be an overview of the county's relationship with the Underground Railroad during the nation's slavery period.

It will have particular focus on how the local German immigrants in Pennsylvania played an important role "during one of our country's most important times," reads an online description of the upcoming event.

The center said it would touch specifically on local properties, individuals, symbolism and beliefs as they relate to the Underground Railroad, which was a network of individuals and groups during the United States Civil War that offered aid and shelter to escaped slaves from the south.

Leading the upcoming program will be Ryan J. Conroy, a Royersford Borough Councilman who also serves as the vice president of the Spring-Ford Area Historical Society, and runs a local history show online for Voxipop called 'Timeless Tales.'

"Ryan enjoys sharing his love of history and knowledge of some of his favorite subjects such as local history, photography, immigration, and military history," the Mennonite Heritage Center stated.

Conroy has also authored various historical articles for print, websites and blogs, and he has volunteered his time with numerous local nonprofit groups and businesses, according to the center.

Montgomery County played its own part during the time of slavery, particularly with regard to the Underground Railroad.

One community, Whitemarsh Township, recently succeeded in preserving a historic property that was once a stop along the Underground Railroad.

The township and local art center partnered up with a private donor to help secure the property, which is situated off of Butler Pike and contains historic structures such as Abolition Hall and the Hovenden House.

Related: Private Donors Revealed For Montco Historic Property Preservation

In the spring of 2021, another nearby central Montgomery County site was also recognized in having played a part in the Underground Railroad.

The historic Peter Wentz Farmstead, located in Worcester Township, was chosen by the National Park Service for inclusion in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom sites, according to this article on WHYY.

The famous farmstead property, which during the time of the American Revolution served as a headquarters for Gen. George Washington, later became a site known for its safe passage of enslaved African Americans, according to the story.

Today, Montgomery County is remembered as having played a key role during the time of the Underground Railroad.

This article from Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area says that Montgomery County, which, like much of Pennsylvania, had a strong Quaker heritage, played a key role in the overall abolitionist movement during the time of slavery.

The Mennonite Heritage Center's upcoming program requires no advanced registration.

The center is located at 565 Yoder Road in Harleysville.