Claiming Freedom in the Revolutionary Era

"Brave Men as Ever Fought" by Don Troiani

Beginning in 2022, the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom embarked on a multi-year initiative to align with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Rooted in the nation's founding principles, this project seeks to honor the resilience, courage, and contributions of those who pursued freedom during the Revolutionary Era, reflecting the enduring ideals of liberty and patriotism that defined America’s origins. The initiative delves into the stories of freedom seekers who leveraged the upheaval of the Revolutionary War to escape bondage, as well as African American patriots who fought valiantly for independence alongside the founders. Research conducted by interns and historians, in collaboration with other National Park Service sites such as Independence National Historical Park, will bring these narratives to life. The project also seeks to uncover patterns of self-emancipation, military service, and the broader struggle for freedom during this transformative period in American history.

Through biographical sketches, a database of documented freedom seekers, and primary documents, the "Claiming Freedom in the Revolutionary Era" project will emphasize the enduring importance of the Declaration of Independence’s promise of liberty. This collaborative effort between the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, and other partners seeks to deepen our understanding of how the pursuit of freedom defined a nation’s founding and its enduring legacy.

Dr. Dann J. Broyld is our external Claiming Freedom Project Manager, [e-mail]
To learn more about the freedom seekers our team has uncovered, visit the Freedom Seekers Tab
The research team tab explores who is involved in the Claiming Freedom Project