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Underground Railroad Society
of Cass County, Michigan
urscc.org

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URSCC Mission

The mission of the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC) is to provide a focal point for exploration into the origins and activities of the Underground Railroad; the unique role the people of Cass County and the surrounding region played throughout its existence, and how it impacted local, state and national history.

Goals

Preserve and restore the James E. Bonine House and Carriage House as outstanding examples of Victorian domestic architecture.

Create a museum, learning center and community meeting house as the focal point for understanding the role Quaker, African-American and other abolitionist groups played in the Underground Railroad.

Create a cultural tourism destination for Underground Railroad enthusiasts that will bring visitors and tourism dollars into the community.

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URSCC Headlines
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Sam Adams "Wax Museum" at the Bonine House April 27, 2013

Shown here are students from Sam Adams Elementary School in Cassopolis after their performance as characters in the Underground Railroad of Cass County Wax Museum. Over 200 people toured the museum, learning about the UGRR and Cass County connections. Many of the students portrayed their actual ancestors who were involved in the UGRR. Scroll through the picture gallery below, then click for more information on the background of the Wax Museum and photos of the process and other productions. The students will perform again at the Bonine House during UGRR Days lead up week on Tuesday, July 9th 1-3pm

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Click here for the rest of the story and many more pictures.

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4th Annual "Underground Railroad Days"

set for July 13 and 14

Press release 2/15/2013

The Village of Vandalia, MI and the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC) will sponsor the 4th annual Underground Railroad Days Saturday July 13 from 10am to 7pm and Sunday July 14 from 11am to 5pm in Vandalia. The two day celebration of the history of the Underground Railroad (UGRR) in this area will feature guided tours of UGRR sites, information booths and displays, tours of the Bonine House, home of UGRR stationmaster James E. Bonine; as well as presentations on various aspects of the UGRR in Cass County. New this year are a Civil War "Living History" encampment and a replica of a "Ramptown" Cabin as the site for music and storytelling.

The Village of Vandalia hosts a classic car show on Saturday from 10am to 4pm, local arts and crafts vendors, a Community Church Service on Sunday morning 11am; and new this year a "Soul Food Dinner" in the Village Hall on both days.

Click here for the whole story.

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Honoring Chain Lake Missionary Baptist Church 1838-Present

Click here for the story of the founding of this historic African American church and its role in the Underground Railroad, with photos of some of its founders.

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Press Release 12/18/2012

First Annual Christmas at the Bonine House
a lovely success!

CLICK HERE to go the Bonine House Christmas Story and Photo Gallery

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Underground Railroad Society Hosts Third Annual Meeting

Click here to read the minutes of the Third Annual Meeting of URSCC held on 9/29/2012.

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January 2013

We're happy to report that the mansard tower roof has been completely restored, funded in part by the Evans Grant. The entire Bonine House has been re-roofed thanks to a generous donation by Mary Anne Bonine in honor of her late husband, Alan.

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MORE STORIES CAN BE FOUND IN
'HEADLINES' ARCHIVES

Please Become A Friend Of The Bonine House

To Join URSCC or Donate, click here

To Contact us, click here

Thank you for helping to restore this iconic house to the shining beacon of freedom it represents!

URSCC
Underground Railroad Society of Cass County
PO Box 124
Vandalia, MI 49095