Friends of the Underground Railroad was led in its early stages by Missouri educator Dr. Barbara Woods who organized the first meeting of people from around the nation interested in forming a private organization to preserve and promote the Underground Railroad. Dr. Woods spearheaded the formation of Friends of the Underground Railroad at its first meeting held in Washington, DC, in February, 2003, and was the organization's guiding spirit until her untimely death December 23, 2004 at the age of 59.

The decision to form Friends of the Underground Railroad was made in April 2004 by thirteen people from across the United States who saw the need to rekindle in the national memory of the defining American heritage called the Underground Railroad. The group envisioned Friends of the Underground Railroad as an international organization in recognition of the vital roles played by neighboring countries, especially Canada, in aiding freedom seekers, abolition and the Underground Railroad movement.

What we do is described under Our Programs. Friends of the Underground Railroad welcomes your involvement, especially if you represent an Underground Railroad safe-house or route, or an institution, program or state organization involved in the Underground Railroad. We encourage you to contact us here.