Underground Railroad Museum — Attraction in Philadelphia

I visited this place in August with my husband and our 11 year old son. It was so moving to know the history that occurred there and to read the stories of how the people suffered. In particular, I gained a better understanding of what must have been sheer psychological torment at having their families ripped apart (or threatened to be ripped apart) on another person's whim. The methods used in the underground railroad, such a quilting, are also shown. Our tour was mainly self-guided and we were given written materials. The gentleman who admitted us was very cordial and welcoming, and let us go at our own pace.

Some things to be aware of: the hours are limited. When we went, the hours were 11-4 Tuesday-Thursday only. Also, we were really unsure if there was parking, but there is free parking right at the mansion (it's a little hard to find the entrance--fyi). Finally, we purchased our tickets via Groupon, which worked well. I did not see where you can purchase tickets...

A smaller exhibit but very informative giving you a lot of information to take in. Really like the pictures and testimonies of historic enslaved individuals.

Disappointed that our tour was majority taken by ourselves through the museum after guide took us to about 3 destinations and told us to look around. He didn't really give us any real detailed information or additional information for that matter.

The building looked old in need of some repairs but did have things like original ceilings, pictures, newspapers, furniture and quilts/blankets used for secret messages for those apart of the underground railroad.

Was expected more detailed information about the specifics of the museum and the direct part it played in the underground railroad. Toward to end we did gain some beneficial knowledge of the mansion who owned it and occupied it.

Overall it wasn't a bad...

It featured a lot of comments from interviews with formerly enslaved people, paired with pics. I felt like I could imagine this era a little better by the time I left. It was important to read between the lines sometimes. One elderly lady told her interviewer that the enslaved people on the farm where she had lived had been treated so well that she'd been happy all the time. Sarcasm! She must have felt it was obvious to everyone that enslavement was a horrible experience and it just hurts to be aware of how common it was for white people to claim their families had treated "their" enslaved people well. The house was beautiful and full of period...