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Iowa's significance on the Underground Railroad

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Historians discuss Iowa's significance as a part of the Underground Railroad.

Guests on this episode of Talk of Iowa discuss Iowa's importance in the Underground Railroad. Iowa had a significant amount of Underground Railroad activity because of its geographic location to Missouri, a slave state to the south, and Illinois, a free state to the east.

Guests:

  • Novella Nimmo-Black, manager, educational outreach, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
  • Harry Wilkins, archivist, Tabor Historical Society
  • Leo Landis, state curator, State Historical Society of Iowa
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.