On Wednesday night, David Zonderman, a North Carolina State University history professor, will discuss those links in a program scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Roanoke Canal Museum.

“We've found substantial evidence showing the canal was used as a transportation route for freedom seekers,” said Randall Spence, cultural resources leader for the museum. “We have found Halifax had a large population of freed men.”

(Pre-registration for the program is required and admission is $5 to cover the cost of refreshments being served. There have already been 18 pre-registrations. To reserve a seat call the museum at 252-537-2769)

Research has been extensive, studying documents in library archives as well as old newspaper ads of owners offering monetary rewards for the capture of their slaves.

A large number of people have been involved in the research, Spence said, from members of the Friends of the Canal, the Historic Halifax state site and the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Research could lead to the trail being placed on the National Parks Service Network to Freedom, of which Halifax and the Roanoke River are already members.

Research has also uncovered some information about a freed woman named Piety who lived on a portion of the trail named Rock Landing and worked cooking for batteaux men who used the portion of the canal for rest. Whether Piety was actually involved in the underground railroad is something further research will determine, Spence said.

Ad seeking runaway slave.

“We're learning about Rock Landing,” Spence said.

Chris Wicker, former city parks and recreation director, said the initial research is showing Rock Landing was possibly at the head of the canal. “We're working on determining the exact location. It's somewhere underneath Roanoke Rapids Lake. That is going to be interesting to know.”

Wicker has been impressed with the new research. “We're learning things as we go along. It's fascinating what they're learning.”

Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the HCVB, said, “The research has taught a lot of us how very rich and powerful our history relating to freedom seekers is.”

Spence said Zonderman's talk will cover a broad spectrum Wednesday night. “He's going to talk about the research. I don't think there's ever been an effort to tell the whole story and give it the respect it deserves.”