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THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: Next Stop, Toronto!

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THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: Next Stop, Toronto!

A richly illustrated book, examines the urban connection of the clandestine system of secret routes, safe houses and “conductors.” Not only does it trace the story of the Underground Railroad itself and how people courageously made the trip north to Canada and freedom, but it also explores what happened to them after they arrived. And it does so using never-before-published information on the African-Canadian community of Toronto. Based entirely on new research carried out for the experiential theatre show “The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom!” at the Royal Ontario Museum, this volume offers new insights into the rich heritage of the Black people who made Toronto their home before the Civil War. It portrays life in the city during the nineteenth century in considerable detail.

About the Author

Karolyn Smardz-Frost is a historian and archaeologist, and an adjunct professor at Acadia and Dalhousie Universities, and was a Harrison McCain Visiting Professor at Acadia from 2013-2016.

Adrienne Shadd is a historian curator, researcher, and writer. She is a descendant of Abraham Doras Shadd, an abolitionist in the 19th century, and Mary Ann Shadd Cary, a prominent activist and publisher.

Afua Cooper is a Professor in the Departments of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Dalhousie University, where she also holds cross appointments in History and Gender and Women Studies.

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