Navigating Freedom:

Stories of the Underground Railroad

Sunday, February 1, 2026

1:30-4:30pm

Discover “Stories of the Underground Railroad” through two FREE performances of William Still  —the Father of the Underground Railroad and Philadelphia “station master” who rescued hundreds of enslaved people —portrayed by actor historian Keith Henley of The American Historical Theatre. Honoring Black History Month, this fifth annual Kalmar Nykel Foundation event also includes local artist and community partner displays, free admission, museum tours and Fort Christina Park talks (due to snow), and parking. Co-sponsored by the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce.

The show is recommended for ages 8+ and runs 30 minutes plus a 15-minute Q&A. Tickets are free but you must register online for one show:

2:00 - 2:45pm William Still: Stories of the Underground Railroad

3:30 - 4:15pm William Still: Stories of the Underground Railroad

DETAILS

This special Black History Month event runs from 1:30-4:30pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026. In addition to the two free performances listed above, please explore our building, visiting artists and organizations, and the Park next door. This event is designed for ages 8 & up.


Local Artist Displays

  • Tanya Bracey, By His Power Fine Arts
  • Andre N. Jones, Jones Fine Art and Illustration
  • Eunice LaFate, LaFate Gallery
  • Edwin Lester

Community Organizations

  • Delaware Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society
  • Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce
  • Woodlawn Library

Free Tours

  •  Self-guided toours of Copeland Maritime Center museum including 73 model ships gallery
  • Free guided walking tours of neighboring Fort Christina Park where freedom seekers embarked on boats and met "conductors"with horses and carriages. Fort Christina Park is on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom (the same site where Kalmar Nyckel landed in 1638). Weather dependent.

Free Admission and Parking


Schedule

1:30pm - Doors Open: Artist & Partner Displays, Museum Tours, and Fort Christina Park Tours


2:00 - 2:45pm - William Still Performance #1


2:45pm - Artist & Partner Displays, Museum Tours, and Fort Christina Park Tours


3:30 - 4:15pm - William Still Performance #2


4:30pm - Museum and Displays close


Location:  Kalmar Nyckel Foundation,1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Questions? Please email our Education department or call 302.429.7447.


SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Noramco

Diamond State Recycling

Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce

About Kalmar Nyckel
Actor historian Keith Henley of the American Historical Theatre performs at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.