Pictorial history of Slavery in Washington & Beaufort County. National Park Service “Underground Railroad Network to Freedom” site.
We share the history of slavery and enslaved people seeking freedom in Washington NC & Beaufort County NC. We are a National Park Service Underground Railroad-Network to Freedom site. We’re staffed by volunteers so please call to check if we’re open.
The Underground Rail Road museum is housed quite literally in a rail road car. A caboose to be exact. This historic train car was provides a place for our collection and serves as a powerful reminder about the purpose of the museum and the fragile history protected within.
Kalimbre (Fereby) Harrison, the little girl on the left born 1843 was a ‘hearer.’ She could recall everything she heard and could accurately convey messages and information to aid in slave escapes. Learn more about how Kalimbre helped with escapes on the underground railroad here in Washington by vising the museum.
Did you know that as early as 1820, the first long distance route of the Underground Railroad with multiple stops was established? This route could successfully transport slaves all the way from North Carolina to Indiana.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Leesa was born, raised and educated in “Little Washington.” She attended the City University of New York and was a pre-school teacher for thirty-two years before her retirement.
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, The Washington Harbor District Alliance is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America.
Washington is a North Carolina Main Street community, designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. The Washington Harbor District Alliance is charged with administering the program at the local level and building public-private partnerships to spur economic development that achieves measurable results such as investment, business growth, and job creation.
