Falls City native and former World-Herald columnist Robert Nelson will retell the story of how a team of volunteers compiled and presented the evidence needed to successfully honor the heroic efforts of two of Falls City’s founders, abolitionists David and Ann Dorrington. The Dorringtons sheltered countless freedom seekers who made the harrowing journey north to escape slavery and the bounty hunters paid to return them south dead or alive. 

At great personal risk, the Dorringtons provided shelter for dozens of escaped slaves during the tense, pre-Civil War clashes between pro-slavery forces and abolitionists along the border between the then-Nebraska Territory and Kansas. It was known as the “bleeding Kansas” period, because of the raids and killings that took place. The Dorrington house and barn in Falls City is only the second location in Nebraska officially designated as a site of Underground Railroad activity.

Free and open to the public. A light reception will follow the presentation.