SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler and the members of the Underground Railroad Task Force put forth their statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while establishing new educational and tourism opportunities.

“Despite nationwide efforts to restrict education about our country’s history of racism, Illinois remains committed to shining a light on our past so we can move forward,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Our bipartisan initiative will shed light on Illinois’ historic ties to the Underground Railroad, and honor the brave individuals who fought against slavery and oppression so many years ago.” 

The task force – created through legislation led by Koehler – has spent the last year meeting to devise a strategy for sharing, growing and celebrating the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

The task force is recommending the creation – and funding for – the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission. The commission would be tasked with exploring, researching and commemorating the journeys of freedom seekers in the sites in the state that became the networks of the Underground Railroad. It would collaborate with organizations that focus on the Underground Railroad and work across state lines with comparable entities to create a comprehensive, streamlined approach to celebrating the rich history of the Underground Railroad.

“With the work of this task force now complete, and our report now in the hands of the Illinois Legislature, we have an opportunity to build a foundation for the education, awareness and celebration of these honored Illinois citizens,” said Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman. “I thank Senator Dave Koehler for introducing the legislation that has brought us to this point today and for his guidance of this task force as we have worked toward this glorious conclusion. I consider it an honor and privilege to have served on this task force with such distinguished colleagues.”

Koehler will work with his colleagues in the coming months to implement the recommendations of the task force.