In this special episode, I interview Eileen Baker-Wall, the great-great-granddaughter of William Bush, a Black man who escaped slavery and made his way to Indiana. William stayed in Fountain City his entire life where he used his skills as a blacksmith to live in freedom. He was an active member of the community, even working with Levi Coffin and likely helping with Underground Railroad activities.

To learn more about William Bush, visit the Levi & Catharine Coffin Historic Site website. Be sure to visit their home to learn more about William Bush, the Coffins, and other members of the community where were part of the Underground Railroad.

You support IN the Parks when you buy an Indiana state park hat or sticker! Check out the IN the Parks website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity. Any mistakes are my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site is one of the most impactful places I've visited in Indiana. Their home was a stop on the Underground Railroad where 1,000 to 2,000 freedom seekers stopped on their escape north to freedom. Levi was called the President of the Underground Railroad by a slave catcher, an honorific he humbly accepted. The historic site provides insights to the Coffins' lives and also highlights the way Black Americans found freedom for themselves. Along with tours of the house, there's an engaging museum that provides more context for the Underground Railroad.

You'll definitely want to plan ahead for this site because guided tours are scheduled and are the only way to see the home and hear the stories. Visit the Indiana State Museum's site to plan your visit.

While you're in the area, swing on over to Summit Lake State Park or hike Hoosier Hill, the highest point in Indiana. (Which is nowhere near as daunting as you'd expect.)

Buy an Indiana state park hat for yourself or a friend! Check out the IN the Parks on Instagram and Facebook.

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity. Any mistakes are my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vincennes, Indiana, is the perfect spot to learn about the birthplace of Indiana! What I learned in 4th grade Indiana history pales in comparison to the trove of information I received! The Indiana State Museum has several historic sites in Vincennes you'll definitely want to visit. I got tours of the Territorial Capital, the Old French House, Jefferson Academy, Elihu Stout Print Shop, Thompson House, Fort Knox 2, the Old State Bank, and Sugarloaf Mound. Not all locations have regular guided tours, so plan ahead to get the best stories!

While you're in Vincennes, you'll want to visit the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park and learn from the National Park Service interpreters. Plus, the grounds and river walk are beautiful.

I would also recommend a visit to William Henry Harrison's home, Grouseland. The tour guides are great, and you'll learn so much about our ninth president.

The Vincennes/Knox County visitor's bureau is a helpful resource in finding historic places to tour as well as current events and activities to enjoy on a visit.

Don't forget to buy an Indiana state park hat for yourself or a friend! Follow @intheparksonline on Instagram and Facebook.

Interviews have been edited for length and clarity. Any mistakes are my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.