Free & Safe: The Underground Railroad in Vermont

This stunning exhibit chronicles the stories of Simon and Jesse, two fugitives from slavery who found shelter at Rokeby in the 1830s. Free & Safe traces their stories from slavery to freedom, introduces the abolitionist Robinsons who called Rokeby home, and explores the turbulent decades leading up to the Civil War. Its innovative use of audio recordings and museum theater combines with historic texts, documents, and images to bring Simon and Jesse vividly to life. There is nothing else like Free & Safe in the northeast. These are just a few of the glowing comments made by visitors to Free & Safe in its first season:

“We need to learn history like this to stop it from happening in today’s world.”


“I think this place is amazing and moving.”


“Fantastically conceived, developed, delivered! Thank you.”

Free & Safe: The Underground Railroad in Vermont Exhibit Preview

View a preview of this exhibit that chronicles the stories of Simon and Jesse, two fugitives from slavery who found shelter at Rokeby in the 1830s. If you’re interested in a virtual tour through the historic house, outbuildings and Free & Safe exhibit, please call the museum at 802.877.3406 or e-mail Tucker Foltz.

Important Underground Railroad Resources

Friends of Freedom: The Vermont Underground Railroad Survey Report by Raymond Paul Zirblis
The Vermont African American Heritage Trail
The North Star Underground Railroad Museum,
Ausable Chasm, NY

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