(Decatur County, IN) – The Decatur County Freedom Trail Association, Decatur County Community Foundation and the Greensburg-Decatur County Public Library announce the first-ever Bill Smith Underground Railroad Festival on Saturday, April 5.
The event will celebrates the life and legacy of William O. “Bill” Smith, a dedicated historian who transformed local folklore into documented history through his extensive research on the Underground Railroad.
Mr. Smith, who passed away in June 2024 at the age of 78, devoted countless hours to advancing local understanding of the Decatur County Underground Railroad.
He also served a record 24 years from 1987 to 2010 as Decatur County Prosecutor.
Organizers say the aim of the event is to share Mr. Smith’s knowledge with the community and celebrate the hidden history he uncovered.
Event Highlights
The docent led tours will focus on the Kingston Corridor, a vital route in the Underground Railroad, and its close relationship with the nearby free people of color community Snelling Settlement, known for sheltering and assisting freedom seekers. Tours are scheduled at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Tours will last approximately an hour, and will depart from the library. All events are free but space is limited for the tours so be sure to register soon:
● Registration Information: Tours: The sign up link is below or you can call the Greensburg Library at (812) 663-2826:
● 9 a.m. Bus Tour -> https://bit.ly/UNDERGBT9
● 1 p.m. Bus Tour -> https://bit.ly/UNDERGBT1
● Guest Speakers @ Greensburg Library:
● 9:00 a.m.-Reverend David Crowley-”The Religious Roots of Antislavery in Indiana With Special Attention to Decatur County.”
● 10:00 a.m.-Joanna Hahn, Central Region Director at the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site.
● 11:00 a.m.-Ann Hagedorn, Best-Selling Author and Former Wall Street Journal Reporter will present on her book “Beyond the River: The Untold Story of the Heroes of the Underground Railroad.” ● Live music @ Greensburg Library:
● 1:00 p.m.-Carnegie Quartet-Enjoy the highest quality in string music as the Ensemble presents parlor music from the Underground Railroad Era.
● 2:30 p.m.-Hot Horns-This five piece horn band brings Jazz, Dixieland and Blues.
● 3:45 p.m. 35th Indiana Pipes and Drums-Civil War Music.
● Special Exhibit @ Decatur County Historical Museum: The Underground Railroad in Decatur County. Will also explore local connections to the John Rankin Home and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
For more information, contact John Pratt at jowpratt63@gmail.com or (812) 593-6724.
