The Fugitive Slave Act Classroom Segment
Program segment for PBS Learning Media
Program segment for PBS Learning Media
Watch with
Signed in as . Your account doesn't include Passport yet.
Passport is our extended library of captivating dramas, inspiring arts performances, thoughtful documentaries and more. Donate to support public media in your local community and enjoy the member benefit of Passport.
Already a member?
Sign in with the email address associated with your membership.
Prefer a password? Sign in with your PBS account
Activate your Passport
Thanks for supporting public media. One last step: connect your PBS account to unlock Passport streaming. Use the email address associated with your membership. You only have to do this once.
Activate your accountNeed help? Frequently Asked Questions
Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
William Still's Place in History
William Still's Place in History
William Still earned the name "The Father of the Underground Railroad".
Vibes:
Sponsorship
Origin of the name Underground Railroad
Historians have never been able to pin down how the Underground Railroad got its name.
Historians have never been able to pin down how the Underground Railroad got its name.
Sydney Still's Run for Freedom
Program Segment for PBS Learning Media
Program Segment for PBS Learning Media
Chief Conductor
Program segment for PBS Learning Media.
Program segment for PBS Learning Media.
Slavery and Freedom
In the 1850s many Americans believed that slaves were incapable of surviving on their own.
In the 1850s many Americans believed that slaves were incapable of surviving on their own.
Epilogue
Program segment for PBS Learning Media
Program segment for PBS Learning Media
Punishment
Slaves who ran away from their masters and were re-captured suffered terrible punishments.
Slaves who ran away from their masters and were re-captured suffered terrible punishments.
Fugitive Slave Act
The Fugitive Slave Act was an attempt by the government to appease southern slave states.
The Fugitive Slave Act was an attempt by the government to appease southern slave states.
William Still's Place in History
William Still earned the name "The Father of the Underground Railroad".
William Still earned the name "The Father of the Underground Railroad".
Coded Spirituals
Well-known Negro Spirituals of the mid-1800s are much more complex than they first appear.
Well-known Negro Spirituals of the mid-1800s are much more complex than they first appear.
Freedom's Land
Program segment for PBS Learning Media.
Program segment for PBS Learning Media.
Official Trailer
This is the story of a man who risked his life shepherding runaway slaves to freedom.
This is the story of a man who risked his life shepherding runaway slaves to freedom.