A new public program set for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, will shed light on a little-known chapter of Illinois history: the persistence of slavery in a state that entered the Union as “free.” Titled “The Presumption of Freedom: The Illinois Supreme Court and the Fate of Slavery in Illinois,” the event will examine how the state’s highest court shaped the legal battle over slavery decades after Illinois’ 1818 statehood.

Though Illinois was officially a free state, slavery continued to exist within its borders for years. Freedom seekers, abolitionists, and pro-slavery forces frequently turned to the courts to determine the fate of enslaved individuals. Nearly two dozen cases involving slavery reached the Illinois Supreme Court, forcing justices to interpret the state’s constitution and laws in the face of mounting national tension over slavery.

The program will be presented by John Lupton, Executive Director, and Samuel Wheeler, Director of History Programs, both of the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission. Their talk will highlight several key cases that came before the court and explore the evolving legal arguments that ultimately led to the end of slavery in Illinois.

The event is part of a broader effort to educate the public about the state’s complex relationship with slavery and the legal system’s pivotal role in the struggle for freedom. It also coincides with the “Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad” exhibit, which tells the stories of freedom seekers and those who risked their lives to help them.

The program will take place from 7:00 to 8:00 PM on the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition’s YouTube channel and Facebook page and is open to the public.