Learning from the Past

I know that I have been away from the page for a long time, but I have been busy finishing Book 1.  The research that I have done to make my story an accurate one started here with Leesa Jones.  She has done an incredible job bringing the Underground Railroad to the public in a way that is understandable.  If you are on Facebook, there is a great amount of information on the Museum's page, ​Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum.  The artifacts in the museum include newpaper articles and documents from the 1800's.  A large part of the exhibit is the volunteers themselves who reenact "the code" to freedom and answer any questions visitors might have.
 I had a conversation with Leesa Jones Mother's Day weekend about what the true purpose of the conductors on the Underground.  To me, the purpose was to provide a safe place where hope could renew.  It was that hope for freedom that kept the travelers moving and preventing them from giving up. The conductors were safe-keepers of Hope.  
Today, the Museum provides that to the many children that visit.  They can see in the past how the African American slaves would not let their circumstances define them.  They sought freedom and had hope for a better life.  What a great example to all students that seek to over come their own circumstances in their search for a better future. 
I hope that you all get a chance to visit the museum soon.  The railroad car sits in the park next to the Civic center and has a beautiful view of the Washington Waterfront.