The American Semi-quincentennial has been the centerpiece of 2026 as Franklin County Visitors Bureau highlighted the county’s deep contributions to American history. Throughout the year, initiatives have explored the Road to Freedom—from frontier and colonial America, through raids and invasions of the Civil War, and into World War II with Letterkenny Depot. One essential story remains– Franklin County’s role in the Underground Railroad, the relationship of John Brown and Frederick Douglass, and the legacy of the United States Colored Troops (USCT).
The public is invited to join Franklin County Visitors Bureau as it honors those connections in a Learn & Explore Weekend: Road to Freedom, October 3-4. Nathan Richardson and Doug Dobbs, portraying Frederick Douglass and John Brown, will bring the era’s history to life. The weekend begins with “A Freedom Tour of Franklin County,” Saturday, October 3, 9 AM to 3 PM, featuring sites associated with the Underground Railroad, Brown & Douglass, and the USCT. Sunday’s program shifts to Frederick Douglass with “Tea & Talk” in the Great Room of the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center, 2 PM-4 PM. Inspired by Frederick Douglass’ European Tour of 1845-47, the conversation will cover the breadth of his life.
The Learn & Explore Weekend: Road to Freedom launches the fundraising effort for the John Brown & Frederick Douglass Statue in Chambersburg. All proceeds of both events will be used to fund the statue with an estimated cost of $200,000. Looking ahead, a 2027 Chautauqua is planned, and attendees of the October 3-4 event will have an exclusive first opportunity to participate in the inaugural Chautauqua.
“Two hundred and fifty years later, the founding ideals of the Declaration of Independence still ring as a promise and a challenge. It is on that message Road to Freedom touring and exploring are based. Over the coming years, Franklin County Visitors Bureau will be offering the Learn & Explore events to help support the John Brown & Frederick Douglass Statue. We will be telling history and humanity as we are working to secure permanent awareness of the many connections to freedom in Franklin County,” said Janet Pollard, executive director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau.
The October 3-4 Learn & Explore Weekend will transport visitors back to the volatile autumn of 1859, a time when Chambersburg–a small town of just over 5000–was the covert staging ground for the raid on Harpers Ferry. The Weekend schedule includes:
- Saturday, October 3 — Freedom Bus Tour – Experience Sites include the Mary Ritner Boarding House, capture site of John Cook, home of bounty hunter Daniels Logan, Wertz Farm, lunch at Mont Alto, and USCT cemeteries. Programming explores the raid’s history, Franklin County’s role, and the diverse perspectives held across the county. Cost: $125/person.
- Sunday, October 4 — Tea & Talk with Frederick Douglass – A reflective afternoon covering the breadth of Douglass’ life. Tea service includes cucumber, ham, and chicken finger sandwiches, along with pound cake, scones, and spice treats. Cost: $100/person.
- Attendees will receive historic materials related to John Brown’s Raid and Frederick Douglass and Underground Railroad of Franklin County.
Visit Eventbrite here to register for both days or a single day. Register for both events and save $25; bus space is limited. For clarification or to register via phone, contact 717.496.1893 or 866.646.8060.
Underground Railroad
