Wrightsville, PA — Throughout the early 19th century, a stone home near the Susquehanna River was a beacon of hope and safety for men, women, and children fleeing the horrors of slavery. Today, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) is proud to announce that the historic Mifflin Farm, in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, has been officially added to the National Park Service’s prestigious Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. 

Between 1810 and 1840, dozens of freedom seekers found shelter with Quakers Jonathan and Susanna Mifflin at their home near Wrightsville. They stayed only a few nights at most before crossing the Susquehanna River and continuing northward. In the late 19th century, Samuel W. Mifflin, son of Jonathan and Susanna, recalled instances of freedom seekers finding refuge in the home’s parlor. Samuel’s accounts form the basis of the application to the National Park Service.  

“The Mifflin Farm’s inclusion in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom recognizes its enduring significance in the struggle for human dignity and justice,” remarked Mark Platts, President & CEO of SNHA. “We are honored to steward this powerful site and to ensure that the stories of those who bravely sought freedom—and those who aided them—are shared with future generations.” 

The Underground Railroad Network to Freedom is a program administered by the National Park Service to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. Sites, facilities, and programs in the Network highlight places and stories of courage and solidarity that helped shape the American experience. Research for the application was funded in part by the National Park Foundation Inclusive Storytelling Program. 

The Mifflin Farm will open to the public, on a limited basis, starting May 24th. The house and grounds will be open for tours on Saturdays, between 10am and 4pm, through October. Visitors will discover the site’s deep connections to Underground Railroad history, the Civil War, and the broader story of conflict, collaboration, and conscience in the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. Public access to the historic Mifflin Farm is the first component of the future multi-million dollar Susquehanna Discovery Center & Heritage Park, a world-class destination telling the nationally important stories of York and Lancaster County.  

Media Contact:
Peter Miele
Senior Project Leader
Susquehanna National Heritage Area
pmiele@susqnha.org
717-252-0229 x107