This year’s National Underground Railroad Conference, "Pathways to Freedom," will explore the ways in which we present the inspiring history of the Underground Railroad to the public through education, interpretation, and heritage tourism. Methods and materials for incorporating Underground Railroad history into educational curriculum and standards are invited. The conference also seeks to emphasize strategies that allow communities and historic sites to benefit from heritage tourism without commercializing or trivializing the struggle for freedom.

The 2011 Conference Program Committee welcomes proposals from a wide variety of scholars, community researchers, site stewards, educators, tourism professionals and others interested in Underground Railroad history. Presentation topics can include but are not limited to:

• Popular Culture and the Underground Railroad
• Education, Technology, and the Underground Railroad
• Connecting visitors to the significance of the story
• Interpreting sensitive and complex history
• Connecting with heritage tourism initiatives
• Developing sites to improve the visitor experience
• The UGRR and school curriculum

Submission Procedure—Proposals can be submitted for (1) panels up to three individuals and a moderator on a particular theme or topic and (2) individual 20 minute presentations. Individual submissions that are accepted will be placed on a panel by the Program Committee. Conference applications will be reviewed by the 2011 Conference Program Committee.

For more information please visit www.ugrconference.com.