Hybrid Book Discussion – William Still: The Underground Railroad and the Angel at Philadelphia

This is the first major biography of the free Black abolitionist William Still, who coordinated the Eastern Line of the Underground Railroad and was a pillar of the Railroad as a whole. Based in Philadelphia and well-connected to Chester County abolitionists, Still built a reputation as a courageous leader, writer, philanthropist, and guide for fugitive enslaved people. Still worked personally with Harriet Tubman, assisted the family of John Brown, helped Brown’s associates escape from Harper’s Ferry after their famous raid, and was a rival to Frederick Douglass among nationally prominent African American abolitionists. Still’s life story is told in the broader context of the anti-slavery movement, Philadelphia Quaker and free black history, and the generational conflict that occurred between Still and a younger group of free black activists led by Octavius Catto. Unique to this book is an accessible and detailed database of the 995 fugitives Still helped escape from the South to the North and Canada between 1853 and 1861.                                                                                              — Excerpt from Amazon.com

About the author: William C. Kashatus is an historian, educator and author. A graduate of Earlham College, he earned an MA in history at Brown University and a PhD in history education at the University of Pennsylvania. He has taught at Penn’s Graduate School of Education and in the history departments of West Chester University and Luzerne County Community College.  Kashatus has appeared on National Public Radio and Pennsylvania Cable Network, as well as on many local television and radio stations. His documentary film credits include: “Whispers of Angels: A Story of the Underground Railroad” (PBS); “Baseball’s White Elephants: Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics” (FOX-Philadelphia); “William Penn” (WHYY-TV, Wilmington-Philadelphia); and “Independence National Historical Park” (WHYY-TV, Wilmington-Philadelphia).

William Kashatus will participate in the discussion.

It will by hybrid. The in-person gathering will be at CCHC, 225 N. High Street, West Chester. A Zoom link will be provided for virtual access several days before the discussion.

Admission is free but we appreciate donations of any size!

Register here!