Hayner Library’s October Programs: Underground Railroad Exhibit, Costume Swap and More
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has several historic programs planned in the next few weeks to share more about the Underground Railroad.
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On display in Alton City Hall through the end of the year, a special exhibit titled “Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad” will share information about local ties to the Underground Railroad. This exhibit is available for viewing anytime that City Hall is open. There are several special programs hosted by the library that coincide with this exhibit.
“[‘Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad’] talks about the people and the places and the history of the Underground Railroad and Illinois’ place in that history,” said Hayner Library Director Mary Cordes. “It’s a very moving exhibit. I would encourage everybody to go take a look at that.”
Cordes added that you can learn more about the Underground Railroad at the library’s programs. These free evenings will share more about the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois and beyond.
From 6–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, community members can stop by Hayner Library’s branch at the Alton Square Mall for a presentation by Connie Martin titled “Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.”
Martin, a historian and descendant of enslaved Africans, will share information about the motifs and symbols found in quilts that guided people along the Underground Railroad. Martin and her mother, Dr. Clarice Boswell, wrote a book about their family’s experiences during the pre-Civil War era. Cordes said the Oct. 6 presentation is sure to be very powerful.
On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, you can stop by the Alton Square Mall Hayner branch at 6 p.m. for “Songs of the Illinois Freedom Road with Chris Vallillo.” Developed to be shared in conjunction with the “Journey to Freedom” exhibit, Vallillo will share songs, stories and struggles of the Illinois Underground Railroad.
Both of these programs are free and have a few spots left. To reserve your seat, call 1-800-613-3163.
Cordes is perhaps most excited for “The Underground Railroad in the Alton Area with Charlotte E. Johnson,” planned for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at the Genealogy and Local History Library. While this program is full, you can call to be added to the waitlist.
Johnson, a renowned historian, will share information about local Underground Railroad stops and experiences. Cordes added the library is “really lucky to have her.”
The Genealogy and Local History Library also has a special exhibit covering Rocky Fork Church, which will be available for viewing through the end of the year. Curated as a companion exhibit to the main “Journey to Freedom” exhibit at City Hall, this information is important to local history and communities.
Cordes is excited to share this history with the community, and she is hopeful that many people will come out to the main Alton City Hall exhibit as well as the library’s programs to learn more about the Underground Railroad.
For more information about Hayner Public Library District, their programs, and their offerings, visit their official website.
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