Apply to the Network to Freedom


Open House Office Hours for Applications

December 18th 2-3PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://asalh.zoom.us/j/82077564024?pwd=oirUv6jVa9OC9ki6hb01yf6KKC62UY.1

Meeting ID: 820 7756 4024
Passcode: 636429

January 8th, 2025 2-3PM EST

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https://asalh.zoom.us/j/85238088668?pwd=QLrGWj78uybzVEL94ogzRXmGfxEkFp.1

Meeting ID: 852 3808 8668
Passcode: 003211



Application Instructions

The Network to Freedom Program includes three types of listings. Applicants will need to fill out different sections of the application depending on what they are nominating.

Applications are accepted for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program twice a year: January 15 or July 15. The Network to Freedom Program is utilizing our word document applications due to technical glitches in our online application system.
The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program uses a word application. The application must be completed and submitted typed. Handwritten forms submitted via post or email will not be accepted. Please make sure that you communicate with your regional manager about your application. Regional managers must provide comments to your draft prior to submission. If you have not heard back about your electronic application, please reach out to your regional manager.

The steps outlined below will assist you in completing your application and navigating the application process.

Photograph of the inside of the living quarters of an enslaved person or family.
Sites

Go to the section of our application instructions that explains how to nominate a site to the Network to Freedom.

Photograph of the exterior of Howard County Library - a two store stone structure.
Facilities

Go to the section of our application instructions that explains how to nominate a facility to the Network to Freedom.

Photograph of a person in period costume speaking to a crowd of people
Programs

Go to the section of our application instructions that explains how to nominate a program to the Network to Freedom.

Complete your Application

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program uses a word document. Please reach out to your regional manager for a blank application. The typed form must be completed and submitted through your regional manager. Handwritten forms submitted via post or email will not be accepted.

Regardless of what kind of listing applicants choose to nominate, applicants must have the following information to complete the application:

  • Written permission from the property owner to nominate the potential new listing in the Network to Freedom.
  • A narrative and/or essay describing the potential new listing's connections to the Underground Railroad.
  • High quality photographs of the proposed new listing.


The Network to Freedom application consists of several long response questions detailing the nominated site, facility, or program. Many candidates prefer to work through these long response questions in a word processor prior to transferring them into the online application for submission. If you would like to do this, you can use the drop down buttons below to copy and paste the long response questions related to your nomination. Please note: if using citations, please make sure to use endnotes rather than footnotes.

Remember: candidates do not need to fill out all three sections of long response questions. Candidates only need to answer the long response questions related to whichever kind of listing you will nominate. To nominate a site, only answer the long response questions designated for "sites."

Contact your Regional Manager

The Network to Freedom team has Regional Managers assigned to support different areas of the United States in documenting Underground Railroad history. They are dedicated to supporting potential new members throughout the application process and beyond. Please make sure that you communicate with your regional manager about your application. Regional managers must provide comments to your draft prior to submission. If you have not heard back about your electronic application, please reach out to your regional manager.
It is best to contact them before beginning the application process and keep in contact with them as you fill out the application to make your submission as strong as possible. You can find contact information for the regional managers on our contact us page, or if you are unsure of who to contact, feel free to email us at network_to_freedom@nps.gov.

The Network to Freedom program has outlined complete application instructions. If you have questions, your regional manager is available to assist you.

Last updated: December 11, 2024