Henry Stevenson spent 50 years of his life enslaved and 50 years as a freeman. Listen to his account of his unconventional path to freedom. This narrative is based on Henry Steven’s own description of his life recorded in 1895.
This episode is narrated by Vanessa Ferguson and Kevin Ford. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at www.dulcimerguy.com Additional music by Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Day of the Hopeful - Trabant 33.
Discover the Little’s courageous journey to Canada told in their own words. As part of their route north John and Eliza walked from near Cairo, Illinois all the way to Chicago in search of freedom.
This episode is narrated by Marcus Rothenburg and Chrissy Mauck. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by Union Pacific.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at www.dulcimerguy.com Additional Music and Sound by Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Bar Crowd Yelling 5; Bar Fight Crowd; Body Fall Hay; Chain Rattle; Chain Set Down; Church Bell 1; Church Bell 2; Crash Ceramic 15; Crowd Yell 2; Gun Shotgun 70; Hanger Hit 1; Horn Blow; Horse Clydesdale 14; Horse Gallup; Horse Neigh 1; Horse Neigh 5; Impact Glass 3; Jail Door Maximum 1; LFE Hit 3; Small Waves Lapping On Sandy Beach; Steam Engine Tractor 13; Steam Whistle 8; Tire Iron Bounce; Wagon Wood Creaks; Wood Break 15; Wrought Iron Scrape 2 - all SFX Producer. Music: Fatal Flaws - Howard Harper-Barnes;Float With Me - David Celeste; Forgotten Tears - Magnus Ringblom; Forgotten Trails - Jon Björk; In Ruins - Synthetic Tides; Silky Air - David Celeste; Uplifting Story - Francis Wells.
This episode tells the story from his perspective as an enslaved man from Missouri seeking freedom. His journey to liberty brought him through Illinois, and its subsequent events became news across the nation. The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined.
This episode is narrated by Marcus Rothenberg. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by Union Pacific.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at www.dulcimerguy.com Additional Music and Sound by Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Forever Forever Always - Francis Wells, Refined Enlightenment - Howard Harper-Barnes, Reverse - Silver Maple, The Fields at Home - Francis Wells
Lydia was an enslaved woman who fought for her freedom in the Illinois and Missouri court systems. She gained freedom only to be kidnapped back into slavery, not once, but twice. Learn about this incredible woman, and her efforts to win and keep her freedom, for herself and her children.
This episode is narrated by Patricia James Davis. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by Union Pacific.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at www.dulcimerguy.com Additional Music and Sound by Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Morning Mist - Staffan Carlén, Harvest Month -River Run Dry, Coal Miner's Reel - River Run Dry, Lucky Bird - River Run Dry
This is a dramatized account of a freedom seeker who fled slavery in Missouri in search of liberty in Canada, the challenges that befell him, and his legal fight against extradition to the United States.
The narrative is based on actual historical events, but the dialogue is imagined, and incorporates details recounted by John Anderson and other sources.
This episode is narrated by: Connor Cantrall, Gus Gordon, and Reggie Guyton. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Music and Sound effects by istockphoto.com/Epidemic Sound. Music: Hope's Grasp by Line Neesgaard; Sound: Crowd Gasp 2, Crowd Mob, Human Crowd Studio 27, Large Group Of Men Speaking English General, all by SFX Producer.
Helping those fleeing slavery was illegal in Illinois, and if caught, perpetrators could be prosecuted severely. Learn Dr. Eells story in this first-person narrative, and how his tribulations connect to our politicians even today.
This episode is narrated by Joe Crain. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is supported by Union Pacific.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at ?https://www.dulcimerguy.com/? Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Secrets and Lies by David Celeste, Volunteer by David Celeste, Blue Brook by Clarence Reed, Under Your Wings by David Celeste. Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: ES_Door Knock 2 - SFX Producer
A fascinating story of a Canadian born black man who chose to leave the safety of Canada to help freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
This narrative uses the actual words written by George Burroughs and reflects the times in which he lived. This episode is narrated by Beatrice Bonner and Tony Young. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: As You Make the Bed (Instrumental Version) - Amos Noah, Awake Until Noon - Walt Adams, ES_Calming Rain - Candelion, ES_Let Me Fly - Eric Feinberg, ES_Rainy Smile - Colton Walls, ES_The Miner - Both Are Infinite.
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Barricade Hammer 6 - SFX Producer, Boat Horn Honk 1 - SFX Producer, ES_Crowd Mob - SFX Producer, ES_Female Boots Walk 1 - SFX Producer, ES_Foreign Crowd Murmur 2 - SFX Producer, ES_Human Crowd Walla 3 - SFX Producer, ES_Mall Crowd - SFX Producer, ES_Steam Train Whistles 2 - SFX Producer, ES_Steam Whistle 8 - SFX Producer, ES_Train Chugs 2 - SFX Producer.
Discover how women in Springfield, Illinois organized during the Civil War to assist the boys in blue providing food, clothing, bandages and other necessities during the war.
Narration was provided by, Joe Crain and Vanessa Ferguson. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Folksong on Piano - Traditional, On The Lake by Christophe Gorman, Laura by Alan Ellis, Joyful Stories by Clarence Reed, and Ardent Desires by Clarence Reed
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
Augustus Tolton pursued the priesthood despite facing prejudice and many obstacles. Formerly enslaved, Tolton’s life was one of hardship and self-less service to humanity and God.
Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actors, Tony Young and Kevin Ford. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This program was supported by Union Pacific.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: I Will Live Again - Cercles Nouvelles, Demons (Instrumental Version) - Evelynn Ray, Swept Off My Feet - Lindsey Abraham, Harlig Ar Jorden - Traditional, Harlig Ar Jorden (Organ Version) - Kurt Lyndon, Deep River - Traditional, Something Good Must Come - Sunfish Grove
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: CrowdHostages- SFX Producer, Barricade Hammer 6 - SFX Producer, Laughing 9 Months Old Child - SFX Producer, Crowd Scream 5 - SFX Producer, Child Vocals 13 - SFX Producer, Train Pass By 2 - SFX Producer, Sergeant Wise - Stationary Sign, Crowd Cheer 1 - SFX Producer, Steam Whistle 8 - SFX Producer, Horse Gallop Away 2 - SFX Producer, Horse Whinny 16 - SFX Producer, Kids Cheer Light - SFX Producer
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
In March 1864 a riot between Copperheads and Union troops broke out in Charleston, Illinois sparking concern that this could mark the start of a large-scale uprising in the North. Discover the causes of this turmoil and what happened in its aftermath.
The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is narrated by: Jock Hedblade, the executive director of Unforgettable Forgottonia.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: ES_Another Sunset - King Peaks, ES_Color the World (Instrumental Version) - Ludlow, ES_Four Years Gone By - Heath Cantu, ES_Love Tokens (Instrumental Version) - Bjurman, ES_Weapon of Choice - Fabien Tell,
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Barricade Hammer 6 - SFX Producer, Crowd Arena Angry - SFX Producer, Crowd Scream 3 - SFX Producer, Demonstration Procession With Swedish Voices - SFX Producer, Fire Whoosh - SFX Producer, Footsteps Cement 7 - SFX Producer, Gunshot Battle 3 - SFX Producer, Gunshot Shotgun 152 - SFX Producer, Mob Riot Protest - SFX Producer, Troops Train - SFX Producer, Troops Train 5 - SFX Producer, Western Town 6 - SFX Producer
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
In this episode, you will learn about the life of Albert Cashier, a Civil War hero with a fascinating past. Cashier fought valiantly with the 95th Illinois Infantry Regiment, and many years later the regiment would rally to Albert Cashier’s defense.
Narration was provided by Meredith Vogel-Thomas. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This program was supported by Union Pacific.
Music - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Bravo! - Nico Dickens, Fisherman's Cousin - Rune Dale, In the Name of Courage - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen, National Anthem United Kingdom (Chamber Orchestra Version) - National Anthem Worx, The Waves - Ciaran Delany, Epidemic Sound via iStock.com
Sound Effects - Epidemic Sound via iStock.com: Battle Civil War, Cannon Fire 1, Sheep Blats 20, Western Town - SFX Producer
Intro and Exit music by Mike Anderson: Lincoln and Liberty - Rosin the Beau. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
This is a dramatized account of John Hossack, who stood trial in 1860 for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. Hossack was accused of helping an enslaved person gain his freedom in Ottawa, Illinois.
The narrative is based on court documents using the actual words spoken during the trial. Our narrator, Robert Hitt, is a fictional observer who helps bring the real-life historic characters to life.
Narration was provided by: David Blanchette, Connor Cantrall, Doug Cantrall, Joe Crain, Tim Dyer, Curt Fleck, Brian Gilley, Jock Hedblade, Bernie Lutchman, Jim Rowley, Michael Sanchez and Chris Vallillo.
This episode was funded inpart by a grant from the Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any views, findings in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This program was supported by Union Pacific.
Sounds Effects: istockphoto.com and Epidemic SoundMusic by Mike Anderson: McPherson’s Lament, Rosin the Beau, Soldier’s Joy, and Mississippi Sawyer. Learn more at https://www.dulcimerguy.com/
Springfield, Illinois had a vibrant African American Community during the time Abraham Lincoln lived in the city. This episode highlights his relationship with four African Americans in the community.
The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actor, Reggie Guyton.
This episode was funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any views, findings in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This program was supported by Union Pacific.
Music by Chris Vallillo www.chrisvallillo.com
Midnight on the Water, Saugatuck
Music by Mike Anderson www.dulcimerguy.com
Lincoln and Liberty, Rosin the Bow, Angeline the Baker, and June Apple
Music by Mike Anderson and Royce Jones
Battle Cry of Freedom
Sounds by www.Freesound.org: ”Hammering Nails, Close, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk); Crowdsound http://freesound.org/people/klankbeeld/; Carriage in Vienna Urkki69; Angry Mob by unchaz; Man Yelling by TRP at Freesound.org; Scissors by jadend2; Outdoor Crowd by kyles; Small Group laughter by Ch0cchi; SE Horse & wagon with lots of wooden & metal rattle.wavrecorded by Piotrek Zyla; Horsewagon horse walking slowly ext.wav by lefthandwinnie; Preacher in Ghana by musesdelight; horse whinny by foxen10; People shuffling out of church by BeeProductive; Duna River Beach by szegvari; Door Slam by SoundsForHim
“Free” Frank McWorter was a man with ambition, dedication, guts and a burning desire for freedom for himself and others. He was the first African American in the nation to plat and legally registered a town.
Learn how “Free” Frank established an integrated community on the Illinois prairie and bought the freedom of more than a dozen people from slavery.
The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Narration provided by, Springfield Illinois Actor, Kevin Ford.
This episode is funded in part by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any views, findings in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Music by Mike Anderson and Royce Jones www.dulcimerguy.com
Mississippi Sawyer, Lincoln and Liberty-Rosin the Bow, Soldier Joy, The Minstrel Boy, Shortnin Bread,
Sounds supplied by www.freesound.org by the following creators under various creative commons licenses: Chirping Birds: ifartinurgeneraldirection; Laughing: richwise; Pick Axe: guyburns; Child Laughing: obxjohn; Arkansas Traveler: ecfike; Crowd: craigsmith; Horse Carriage: urkki69; Hammering; wim; Crowd: klankbeeld; Anvil; arnaud-coutancier; Laughing: Richwise; Church Bell: 16f-panska-veltrusky-david; Children Playing: piermic; Train: FunWithSound; Chickens Flapping: mrrap4food; Dog Bark: juan-merie-venter;
In this episode, you will learn about a young freedom seekers harrowing flight from southern Illinois to Knox County, Illinois, and the twists and turns on her journey to self-emancipation.
Assisted by abolitionists and anti-slavery activists, Susan’s story highlights that even though Illinois was a free state, aspects of slavery still existed within its borders.
The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Narration provided by Paris Ervin Doyle.
This episode is funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any views, findings in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Music by Mike Anderson and Royce Jones www.dulcimerguy.com
Lincoln and Liberty-Rosin the Bow, The Minstrel Boy, McPherson’s Lament
Sounds supplied by www.freesound.org by the following creators under various creative commons licenses: Rowdy Crowd: xtrgamr; Gavel: zerolagtime; Outdoor Festival: kyles; Horse Gate/Mud: Canukfa; Civil War Music: adeluc4; Crowd Reactions: Craigsmith; Crying: Robinhood765; Child Laugh: sergequadrado; Man Yelling: trp; Smashing Glass: abominablemusic; Bottle Smash: fliegermatze; Arkansas Traveler: ecfike; Rooster: derjuli; Rooster/Chickens: globofonia; Kids Fighting: soundsexciting; Crickets: gb01; Owl: andrewjonesfoto; Steamboat:1-pull; Horse Carriage: urkki69; AngryMob: unchaz; Gunshot: michorvath; AngryMob: bevibeldesign; Prison Door: ylearkisto; Fire Burning: foleyhaven; Guitar: stixthule; Mumbling: so0rec; Crowd: samuelgremaud; Laughter: drotzruhn; Sonata Piano: shadydave; Drunken Party: robinhood76; Crowd: craigsmith; Child Laughing: sergequadrado
Learn about the events and efforts of a small group of African American citizens from Atlanta, Illinois, who hosted an area-wide BBQ celebration at their local fairgrounds. The event noted the 12th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which granted freedom to the enslaved people of the United States.
The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Narration was provided by Springfield Illinois actor, Reggie Guyton.
This episode is funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Music by Chris Vallillo www.chrisvallillo.com
Ragtime Annie, Picayune Butler, Golden Slippers
Music by Mike Anderson and Royce Jones www.dulcimerguy.com
Lincoln and Liberty-Rosin the Bow
Sounds supplied by www.freesound.org by the following creators under various creative commons licenses: Cannon Blast: kyles; Train: FunWithSound; Outdoor Crowd: Kneeling; Civil War Music: adeluc4; Horse Gate/Mud: Canukfa; Horse Whinny: InspectorJ; Crowd Reactions: Craigsmith; Laughing: Richwise; Arkansas Traveler: ecfike; Crowd People: klankbeeld; Hammering: WIM; Audience Clap/Yell: klankbeeld; Marching Band: flathill; CrowdCheer: DeletedUser; Cheerful Clapping: qubodup