What is KURC?
The Kennett Underground Railroad is a non-profit and diverse organization focusing on educating the public through its learning center, exhibits, Kennett URR Heritage Trail Tour, dramas, lectures, and education/outreach programs. KURC also does extensive research in order to authenticate claims that Kennett area houses were Underground Railroad “stations.” KURC has the honor of being listed as a Facility in the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom program, which links Underground Railroad sites throughout the United States.
Why is KURC important?
The Kennett Underground Railroad Center documents over two dozen underground railroad sites or "stations" within an eight-mile radius of Kennett Square, possibly the largest concentration of underground railroad stations in the nation. Our children and grandchildren will benefit from understanding the values and commitments held by those great heroes who comprised the underground railroad and wo, by their acts and beliefs, changed the course of this nation's history forever. Through the "Kennett Area Underground Railroad Historic Trail, and expansion of our educational cultural center, museum, and programs, we will enrich our community and learn from our extraordinary past.
When did KURC first organize?
KURC was founded in early 1998 by Frances Cloud Taylor. Mrs. Taylor is the author of two books on the underground railroad in this area of Pennsylvania, "The Trackless Trail," and "The Trackless Trail Leads On." In May 1999, KURC received its 501(C) (3) non-profit corporation status.
What are KURC's Future Plans?
KURC’s first goal is to find a permanent local site for its exhibits, where we can welcome and educate visitors. In the meantime, KURC will research the history of Kennett’s East Linden Street, with its tradition of a diverse population and its ties to early Kennett industry and entrepreneurship, as well as to the Underground Railroad. Chester County Community Foundation and Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development are generous sponsors of this project.
In spring 2007 KURC will present the premiere of a documentary on Kennett’s African-American baseball team of about fifty years ago, the Grey Sox. Watch for the announcement.