Monday, June 19th is Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Louisville’s location on a river made it a major hub for the slave trade. Join us for a van tour to visit significant sites related to this history in Louisville, including the Garrison Slave Pen, the Portland Wharf, and a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Bus departs at 1 PM from MCC.

Here is some more information on tour:

The journey will, in part, look at  the lives  of Henry Bibb and Lucy, and Thornton Blackburn, individuals who escaped from enslavement in Louisville and became prominent members of the abolition movement in the United States and abroad.

We would begin our tour from the site of the Garrison Slave Pen at Second and Main Street.  Our route will follow the journey taken by thousands of enslaved persons who were led to the Portland Wharf, to be loaded onto steamboats having been “sold downriver”.

Along the route, we will highlight the sagas of Bibb and the Blackburns, hear contemporary accounts of the slave trade in Louisville, note the role of religion in both justifying and fighting slavery, and discuss why the Portland community was so important in shaping Abraham Lincoln’s view of slavery.

We will finish the tour at the Second Baptist Church in New Albany.  This church was part of the Underground Railroad and provided sanctuary for many who escaped across the river to freedom.

Following the tour we will have a quick late lunch (which is provided) and discuss your feedback and thoughts on the information presented.

All ages welcome.

Tours are weather permitting.  

Questions? Contact Bill Wilson at [email protected]

Please sign up below. *Space is limited*