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. Please reach out to your regional manager to acquire a blank word document application along with helpful guidance to create a strong application.
Open House: New Application System
The January 15, 2025 deadline to submit Network to Freedom applications is fast approaching! If you would like more direct technical assistance as you work through your online application, the Network to Freedom Program will be hosting an open house for applicants to receive technical assistance.
Our open house will be announced soon
Each Open House will last one hour. Participants can come and go as they please throughout that hour.
To receive the entry information, please submit your email address here.
Complete your Application
The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program requires applicants to discuss their listings with a regional manager before submitting an application. This ensures the proposed listing has a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. Please note that 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:
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Written permission from the property owner to nominate the potential new listing in the Network to Freedom.
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A narrative and/or essay describing the potential new listing's connections to the Underground Railroad.
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High quality images of the proposed new listings are needed to promote the listing on social media, Network to Freedom website, and press releases.
The Network to Freedom application consists of several long response questions detailing the nominated site, facility, or program. Please note, 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
Please reach out to your regional manager to acquire a word document application along with helpful guidance to create a strong application.
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. 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 e-mail us.
The Network to Freedom program has outlined complete application instructions. If you have questions, your regional manager is available to assist you.
Last updated: November 25, 2024