Laura F. Keyes as abolitionist Lucy Pettengill

PLEASE NOTE: This event is in collaboration with Aram, Barrett, and Lake Geneva Public Libraries and will be held at 824 E. Geneva St., Suite E, in Delavan.

Meet abolitionist Lucy Pettengill, as portrayed by historian Laura F. Keyes. Learn about the struggles she and her fellow abolitionists encountered in order to assist freedom seekers on their way north. Hear the accounts of the efforts of the underground railroad from someone who was there! Mrs. Pettengill will share with you the details of the abolitionist movements and actions in Western Illinois, and why her work was not only secret, but dangerous. 

The presenter, Laura F. Keyes, has been portraying historic women and lecturing on historic topics since 2008. Since 1999, she has been active in community theater in Illinois and Wisconsin and has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Pec Playhouse Theater. She also currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Wheels O’ Time Museum, the Resources Sharing Alliance, the Association of Lincoln Presenters, and the Illinois Library Association. This program is set for June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.