City of Racine – Today, the City of Racine and members of the community held a dedication ceremony for the 9 new historical markers that will be installed throughout Racine’s downtown indicating significant sites of the Underground Railroad. Racine was very active in the abolitionist movement and the historical markers highlight the City’s history and contribution in the fight to end slavery.
At the event, Mayor Cory Mason, Alderwoman Mollie Jones, Racine Heritage Museum Director Chris Paulson, and representatives of the Professional Women’s Network for Service spoke to the importance of recognizing Racine’s history and participation in the Underground Railroad at today’s event.
“Racine has rich abolitionist history and I grateful for the work we have all done to commemorate the places and people that helped bring slaves to freedom. It is important that future generations know the role our City played in freeing slaves and these historical markers a great reminder of our legacy,” said Racine Mayor Cory Mason.
The historical markers are placed at the following locations:
- Racine Heritage Museum
- Monument Square
- First Presbyterian Church
- On Sixth Street at 6th & Villa
- Wisconsin Avenue between 5th & 6th Streets [sign has not yet been installed]
- Southeast corner of Fourth and Main Streets
- North side of Fourth Street, east of Main Street
- South Side of Root River, east of Main Street Bridge. [Signs had previously been installed here]
- 826 State Street
- 1120 Grand Avenue, adjacent to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
Pauline G. Mitchell, Underground Railroad Project Director, Professional Women’s Network for Service (PWNS), said, “PWNS stands today in collaboration with the Racine Heritage Museum and the City of Racine in unveiling these ten Racine Underground Railroad Trail Sites. Our purpose is to ensure that Wisconsin citizens and tourists understand the united efforts of people of diverse cultures who fought for the causes of justice and freedom during the Underground Railroad era in the 1850’s and 1860’s.”Chris Paulson, Executive Director, Racine Heritage Museum said, “We are thrilled to see this project underway. These permanent markers, together, comprise a remarkable educational resource for the community, and a lasting reminder of Racine County’s unique role in a very critical time in our nation’s history. I’m truly grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Professional Women’s Network for Service and our continuing work to preserve and share these stories.”
“The Underground Railroad Historical Sites in the City of Racine are the key points in helping Racine area citizens and tourists understand the historical significant of the united efforts of people of different cultures in the cause of justice and freedom during the Underground Railroad era. History is important. Our inner spirit is enhanced when we appreciate the richness of our past. Racine’s Underground Railroad stories need to be learned and appreciated by all. The stories tell about bold, brave, and audacious fugitive slaves, those who helped them and respected the rights of others,” added GeorgAnn
Stinson, President of Professional Women’s Network for Service.
