(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2037)

235 words·~1 min read·/il/chapter-20/act-864/1-2

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Sec. 15. Duties of Commission. The Commission shall have the following duties:

(1)to provide resources for individuals and local entities seeking to learn more about

the Underground Railroad in Illinois, including:

(A)an online resource website, including, but not limited to maps of journeys,

historical sites, and conductor cemetery markers;

(B)a calendar of related events in this State;

(C)research sources and bibliographies;

(D)videos and links to videos; and

(E)pictures, brief histories, and other materials developed locally and at the

State level;

(2)collaborate with organizations focusing on the Underground Railroad, including:

(A)local and regional Underground Railroad groups;

(B)county and regional historical societies;

(C)museums, especially museums that focus on slavery and the African American

experience;

(D)academic programs, especially African American Studies at the college level and

history departments; and

(E)organizations in African American communities;

(3)to create a grant funding program;

(4)to work with the National Park Service's Network to Freedom program and serve as a

liaison between the National Park Service and local entities;

(5)to explore heritage tourism opportunities connecting the locations of freedom seeker

journeys and Underground Railroad sites, working with the Illinois Office of Tourism and regional tourism agencies; and

(6)to connect freedom seekers and Underground Railroad stories to the range of freedom

stories across and throughout the history of Illinois.