Conference focuses on underground railroad

A conference in Des Moines today focuses on Iowa’s role in the Underground Railroad, the movement that helped slaves find freedom. The National Park Service is sponsoring the meeting and its being hosted by the State Historical Society of Iowa. Patricia Ohlerking is a spokesperson for the State Historical Society. Ohlerking says while eastern Iowa is well known for its role in the Underground Railroad — western Iowa also played a role.She says they want to find people interested in helping highlight the Underground Railroad in Iowa.Ohlerking says the National Park Service held a similar meeting earlier in Kansas.