We’ve all surely heard about the Underground Railroad’s land routes slaves used to escape the antebellum South, but did you know thousands made their way to the coastal waters of the Carolinas and Virginia to board ships headed north?

Co-authors Steve Miller and Tim Allen have amazing stories to tell about how slaves did it, what unique communication systems they employed, who helped them and where they ended up. They’ll highlight the personal ordeals of several of those involved and dispel myths about this lesser-known Maritime Underground Railroad. Their book on the subject will be available for purchase.

Miller hails from Asheboro, has several publications to his credit, and is an adjunct history professor at Randolph Community College. Allen resides in Snow Camp, one of the Underground Railroad’s stations, is a retired minister and professor of religion, history and humanities in the N.C. Community College system. 

The event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Country Club of Salisbury with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., and the program at 8 p.m. Cost is $50/pp for ESU members, $70/pp for non-members. Reservation cut-off is Tuesday, Feb. 18. For more information, contact ESU president Gerry Wood at gerry@oldyorkllc.com or 704-213-6008.