Underground Railroad

Narrated by Alfre Woodard, this true story of America's first civil rights movement debunks romantic myths of secret tunnels and doorways, and paints--through dramatic recreations of frightening escapes and the hardships slaves endured--a realistic picture of the Underground Railroad that took them northward to freedom. Songs, stories, and handshakes contained secret signs and clues to help the fugitive find the correct path, a feat in itself considering most slaves never left the plantation where they worked, had no means of communication, nor could they read. The story begins with the first indentured servants in the early 1600s and follows the rise of the abolitionist movement and its accompanying heroes and heroines, to the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. The vignettes, photographs, and dramatizations are stirring, the subject well researched, and the ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner that will hold the interest of younger children as well as adults. Part of the History Channel's Save Our History campaign to identify, save and preserve national historic landmarks, Underground Railroad has featured activities, resources, reading lists and study guides available on the History Channel website. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (L. Stevens)