Curated OER
Urban Centers and African-American Migrants
Students read narratives about the experiences of 19th century fugitive slaves that fled to urban centers. They conduct further research on the African-American urban migration movement and present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
Many Reasons To Leave
Students read a variety of narratives from fugitive slaves, discuss the many reasons slaves had to leave and what dangers they faced when living as a fugitive. They write and present a fictional narrative incorporating their observations.
Curated OER
Language and Runaway Slave Ads
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this fugitive slave lesson, students research and analyze fugitive slave advertisements from Virginia newspapers.
Curated OER
Mapping the Many Underground Railroads
Students determine the beginning and the end points of the enslaved person's journey to freedom, noting landmarks mentioned along the way such as cities, towns, rivers, mountains, and other geographic features.
Curated OER
Seeking Liberty Lesson Plan: Runaways' Emigration Out of the United States
Students read the narrative, Runaway Journeys, and examine other countries' policies towards fugitive slaves from the U.S. They research the laws from various countries, and write a five-paragraph essay.
Curated OER
Forest Joe: Outlaw or Hero?
Students read a narrative about a 19th century fugitive slave named Forest Joe. They research the legend of Forest Joe and compare it to Robin Hood and other similar legends from various ethnic groups.
Curated OER
Geography and Runaway Journeys Lesson Plan: The Great Dismal Swamp
Students examine the geography of swamps and the Great Dismal Swamp. They research primary accounts, period literature, and analyze how fugitive slaves lived in the swamps.
Curated OER
Living on the Fringe Lesson Plan: Maroon Communities
Students read a section of the narrative, Runaway Journeys, and examine how fugitives lived in remote areas. They identify maroon communities on a map, and research and write about maroon communities.