Come take part in an evening of hands-on art, history, and community engagement on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Byberry Friends Meeting. In the Light of Freedom will feature two back-to-back programs with Philadelphia-based walking artist and Underground Railroad researcher Ken Johnston, honoring Byberry’s role in the Underground Railroad and movement to abolish slavery.
The evening begins with a Lantern-Making Workshop from 5:00–6:30pm, where participants can assemble and decorate their own LED lanterns for the parade to follow. Johnston will share stories of Byberry anti-slavery leader Robert Purvis and the symbolic role of lanterns in guiding freedom seekers. Space is limited to 25 participants and advance registration is required. There is a nominal $5 materials fee for the workshop.
At 6:30pm, a Historical Reenactment and Lantern Parade will commemorate the 175th anniversary—to the day—of a historic October 18, 1850, meeting in Byberry Hall, led by Robert Purvis and other abolitionist leaders, to protest the newly enacted Fugitive Slave Act. Event participants will be invited to take on the roles of the original signers of a declaration against the Act that the attendees adopted at the 1850 meeting before joining Johnston for a lantern light procession around the Byberry Meeting burial grounds, marking the resting places of local anti-slavery activists and sharing Underground Railroad stories.
“Lanterns are more than light—they’re a way to connect with history, community, and the courage of those who fought for freedom,” said Jack McCarthy, Project Director.
“Today one could say Robert Purvis and his brothers grew up grounded with a sense of cultural competence and social activism,” said Ken Johnston. So it is befitting we commemorate the 175th anniversary of a historic 1850 protest meeting led by Robert Purvis and others against the Fugitive Slave Act.”
Guests may bring their own handheld lights or lanterns—if it glows, it goes!
