Destination Freedom: The Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Explore Waverly's Role in the Fight For Freedom

Step back into an important chapter of Northeastern Pennsylvania's history with Destination Freedom: The Underground Railroad Walking Tour at the Waverly Community House. This guided walking experience explores Waverly's connection to the Underground Railroad, highlighting the courageous individuals who helped freedom seekers on their journey and the formerly enslaved residents who built lives in the community. As the region's only tour dedicated to local Underground Railroad history and the Civil War era, it offers a unique perspective on the people and events that shaped the village.

Along the route, visitors explore the historic Black community of Waverly, stopping at significant homes, churches, schools, and gathering places tied to abolitionists and freedom seekers. Through engaging storytelling and interactive interpretation, the tour connects the experiences of 19th-century residents with broader themes of courage, resilience, and justice, creating a meaningful way to discover the area's rich cultural and historical heritage.

History In Every Step
Tours, Walks & Educational Experiences
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Address & Parking
Discover More of Lackawanna County's History

History In Every Step

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Recognized in 2022 by the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, Destination Freedom: The Underground Railroad Walking Tour stands among the nation's significant sites dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. This designation places the tour alongside the Steamtown National Historic Site as one of Lackawanna County's two National Park Service-affiliated destinations, highlighting its importance as a cultural and historical attraction in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Tours, Walks & Educational Experiences

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Developed by the Waverly Community House using years of research from manuscripts, historical records, books, and archived newspapers, the tour offers an in-depth look at the region's Underground Railroad legacy. Visitors can choose from guided tours for individuals, small groups, large organizations, and school field trips, or explore at their own pace with a self-guided walking tour map. Throughout the year, Destination Freedom also offers educational resources, public programming, and an archive collection display coming soon, creating opportunities to learn beyond the walking tour itself.

A group of students on the Destinatoin Freedom tour in Waverly, PA — Photo by IG User: @waverlycomm

Beginning at the Waverly Community House, the route follows historic streets through the village, where visitors can experience the places that shaped one of Northeastern Pennsylvania's most important stories of freedom and perseverance. The tour attracts visitors year-round, with school groups, families, community organizations, and history enthusiasts returning each season to explore Waverly's remarkable past and gain a deeper understanding of the people whose courage continues to inspire future generations.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Explore the history of Waverly at your own pace with the Destination Freedom Map, guiding you to 25 notable stops, including former homes, churches, schools, cemeteries, and community landmarks that tell the story of the Underground Railroad and the people who helped shape the village's history.

Special Exhibitions Gallery

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Available by appointment, the Destination Freedom Special Exhibitions Gallery features rotating displays that expand on the stories of the Destination Freedom Project, the Waverly Community House, and Lackawanna County's rich history. As part of the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, the program is supported through partnerships with the Lackawanna Historical Society, the Black Scranton Project, and the Susquehanna Historical Society.

The Special Exhibits Gallery at the Waverly Community House in Waverly, PA — Photo courtesy of the Waverly Community House

Address & Parking

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Location

Waverly Community House
1115 North Abington Road, Waverly, PA, 18471

Phone

(570) 586-8191

Parking

On-site parking is available at the Waverly Community House.

We recommend confirming operating hours and getting up-to-date info directly with the venue prior to your visit.

Destination Freedom Website

Discover More of Lackawanna County's History

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Historic Places & Heritage Experiences

Continue discovering Lackawanna County through museums, historic sites, cultural landmarks, and guided tours that preserve the stories of the people and events that shaped the region and celebrate its diverse cultural heritage.