Iowa History Series: Josiah Grinnell & the Underground Railroad (Rescheduled)

The WDM Historical Society presents an Iowa history series at the WDM Public Library. Ages 18 & up. No registration.

February 17 -- Josiah Grinnell & the Iowa Underground Railroad  |  Speaker: David Connon

”Preacher,” “congressman,” “negro-stealer”: Josiah Bushnell Grinnell was called all of those things during his life. He was called a negro-stealer because he participated in the Iowa Underground Railroad. J.B. Grinnell and other Grinnell residents helped at least 37 fugitive slaves who passed through their town before the Civil War. But some residents opposed this work.

David Connon will tell a story of racism, noble actions and conflict. He will highlight abolitionist John Brown’s visit to Grinnell, and Grinnell’s first riot over the presence of fugitive slaves in the public school.

Future Iowa History Events:

March 17 -- Iowa's Misbehaving Women  |  Speaker: Cheryl Mullenbach

April 14 -- Our New Neighbors: Refugees & Immigrants in Iowa  |  Speaker: Zelijka Krvavica

May 19 -- Exploring Iowa & Its Historic Gems  |  Speaker: Dan Kaercher