44. Center for African American Heritage at the Delaware History Museum

Journey to Freedom

The Wilmington campus of the Delaware Historical Society features the stories of the Underground Railroad in two main locations, Old Town Hall and the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage. The Mitchell Center offers an exhibition, “Journey to Freedom,” featuring the stories of the Underground Railroad in Delaware, including freedom seekers and conductors like Harriet Tubman, Quaker abolitionists like Thomas Garrett, and courageous African Americans who risked their lives to help others to freedom.

The Center presents the story of African Americans’ struggle for human rights and dignity in Delaware and the nation. Two thematic sections, “Slavery in Delaware and the Struggle for Freedom” and “Beyond Bondage—Breaking Down Barriers,” introduce key Delaware figures and experiences, from the founding of African Methodist churches to the Brown v. Board of Education decision and beyond.

Abolitionists’ meetings were once briefly held at the Old Town Hall. The Town Hall’s jail cells were used to confine captured freedom seekers before they were returned to their enslavers. Tours are available. The Delaware Historical Society, a National Park Service Network to Freedom facility, has restored and preserved these historic buildings, allowing them to host educational programming where visitors can further explore the Underground Railroad.