UNDERGROUND RAILROAD WALKING TOUR
Join Us for the Fourth Biennial Underground Railroad Weekend!
Friday, September 26: Special Guest Performance
Saturday, September 27: Walking Tour
All Saturday tours will depart from J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066
About the Event
The 2025 Underground Railroad Weekend begins Friday, September 26, with a special presentation by historian Eddie Murphy: “Journeying with Harriet Tubman: Selfless, Courageous, Committed.”
The celebration continues Saturday, September 27, with a free two-mile walking tour. Participants will visit seven historic New Brighton sites connected to the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. At each stop, docents will share powerful stories of courage and resistance.
Schedule of Events
Friday, September 26
”Journeying with Harriet Tubman”
A Special Performance by Eddie Murphy
The New Brighton Historical Society proudly welcomes local historian Eddie Murphy for her special presentation: “Journeying with Harriet Tubman: Selfless, Courageous, Committed.”
Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) remains one of America's most enduring figures. Best known for leading dozens of enslaved individuals to freedom via the Underground Railroad, Tubman was also a dedicated abolitionist, Civil War nurse, Union scout, and tireless advocate for women's rights.
Through vivid storytelling and well-researched historical insight, Murphy will bring Tubman’s extraordinary life to the present day.
This engaging talk marks the opening event of the New Brighton Historical Society’s Fourth Biennial Underground Railroad Weekend, a celebration and exploration of our region’s vital role in the fight for freedom.
About the Presenter
Eddie Murphy, a native of Wellsville, Ohio, returned home after nearly forty years in Southern California, where she built successful careers at Hughes Aircraft Company and UCLA. Now back in the region, she shares her passion for history and storytelling with local communities.
Date:
Friday, September 26, 2025
Time:
7:00–8:30 PM
Location:
New Brighton High School Little Theater
3202 43rd Street
New Brighton, PA 15066
Tickets:
$10
Saturday, September 27
Underground Railroad Walking Tour
The Fourth Biennial Underground Railroad Walking Tour will take place on Saturday, September 27. This two-mile walking tour visits seven New Brighton sites tied to the Abolitionist Movement and Underground Railroad, with docents sharing their history at each stop.
Though small in size, New Brighton played a powerful role in guiding enslaved people to freedom. Thanks to the work of history enthusiasts Odette Lambert and the late Ken Locke, the stories of local abolitionists and the rare surviving landmarks have been preserved for future generations.
Historical information and displays will be available for viewing, as well as refreshments, beverages, and merchandise for sale onsite.
Please Note: The route includes uneven sidewalks and a hill, and is not recommended for individuals using wheelchairs or those who have difficulty walking. Tours will proceed rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Date:
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tours depart every 15 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location:
All tours begin at J&J Spratt Funeral Home at 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066
Tickets:
This event is free of charge, though donations are welcomed. Participants are required to sign up for a time slot at registration on the day of the event. Pre-registration is not available.
FAQs
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We are currently withholding the scheduling of additional private tours for the remainder of 2025.
With planning for our public biennial Underground Railroad Walking Tour underway, our small volunteer team with limited resources has decided to focus our efforts on making this event the best it can be.
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The Underground Railroad Walking Tour is about 2 miles long and last roughly 2 hours. It is recommended that all tour participants wear comfortable walking shoes.
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Because the tour covers a number of uneven sidewalks, brick paths, and steep hills, the Underground Railroad Walking Tour is not wheelchair accessible.
The Eight Underground Railroad
Sites in New Brighton
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James Edgar House
1034 5TH AVENUE
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Merrick Art Gallery
1100 5TH AVENUE
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Dr. David Stanton House
1300 3RD AVENUE
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Sarah Jane Lippincott’s White Cottage
1221 3RD AVENUE
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First Presbyterian Church of New Brighton
1199 3RD AVENUE
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Robert Townsend House
1612 3RD AVENUE
Currently J&J Spratt Funeral Home -
Irish-Townsend House
1229 7TH AVENUE
Currently owned by the New Brighton Historical Society -
William P. Townsend House
1205 PENN AVENUE
Currently Dr. Lambert’s Optometry Office
