Join us for a special live event featuring a listening experience of the Per Aspera podcast episode “Twelve to Freedom.” In the winter of 1858–59, twelve freedom seekers risked everything to escape slavery in Missouri, traveling hundreds of miles through Kansas and beyond in one of the most remarkable
journeys of the Underground Railroad. Aided by John Brown and other abolitionist allies, the group passed through Lawrence along the way, taking shelter at Grover Barn. Following the listening session, a panel of historians, researchers, and contributors will unpack the history behind the episode - exploring Kansas’s role in the Underground Railroad, the complexities of the escape, and how stories like that of Jane and Sam Harper have been preserved and interpreted over time. Hosted by Kaye McIntyre (Kansas Public Radio)
Panelists:
* Kristen Epps (Associate Professor of History, Kansas State University)
* Kara Heitz (Historian; Creator of the Per Aspera podcast)
* Beryl New (Member, Kansas State Board of Education; Voice of Jane Harper)
* Donna Rae Pearson (Owner and Lead Researcher, Kitchen Table History Curator)
* Judith Sweets (Independent Historian) This event is part of the America at 250 series.