Grinnell-in-Des Moines: Lecture on Josiah Grinnell and The Underground Railroad
Join Sean Wieser '93 and your local alumni community for the West Des Moines Historical Society's "The Iowa Files" lecture on Josiah Grinnell and the Iowa Underground Railroad! Learn about the radical roots of our school's namesake in the company of fellow Grinnellians at this free educational event, then discuss your takeaways over a beverage at The Hall.
Sunday, Feb. 17
2:30 p.m. — "The Iowa Files" Lecture
West Des Moines Public Library, Community Room
4000 Mills Civic Parkway
Des Moines, IA 50265
Approx. 3:45 p.m. — Social Hour at The Hall
The Foundry in Valley Junction
111 S. 11th St.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Lecture description from the West Des Moines Historical Society:
"Preacher," "congressman," "negro-stealer": Josiah Bushnell Grinnell was called all of those things during his life. He was called a negro-stealer because he participated in the Iowa Underground Railroad. J.B. Grinnell and other Grinnell residents helped at least 37 fugitive slaves who passed through their town before the Civil War. But some residents opposed this work. David Cannon will tell a story of racism, noble actions, and conflict. He will highlight abolitionist John Brown's visit to Grinnell, and Grinnell's first riot over the presence of fugitive slaves in the public school.
No tickets or registration are necessary for this free event, but RSVPs are helpful for our planning. If you plan to attend, please email Kramer McLuckie '12 at krmcluckie@gmail.com. Visit the official Facebook event page to stay up to date on event details.
Hope to see you at the lecture!