A Woman Called Harriet:
Seven Who Slayed the Dragon of Slavery
A presentation by Gloria Van Hof, researcher, author and educator
Saturday April 29th – 11:00 am
A hybrid event – online via Zoom – click here to register
Or In person at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry
(please RSVP to info@mcccprochoice.org if attending in person)
Women have always battled cruelty and injustice, in foreign lands and right here in the U.S. where they fought to abolish slavery, often a great risk to themselves and their families. Presenter Gloria Van Hof will focus on the personal stories and contributions of seven of these courageous women, all named Harriet. Join us to learn more about these daring women who helped to slay the dragon of slavery.
Sponsored by McHenry County Citizens for Choice, McHenry County NOW, and the Social Justice Committee of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
Gloria grew up in Aliceville, Alabama, and moved to Illinois in 1974 and McHenry County in 1976. She earned an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering, an Associate Degree in General Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in English, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Currently Gloria serves on the McHenry County Board and continues to volunteer for numerous organizations in the community.
Gloria has researched, lectured, and written extensively on the Underground Railroad in Illinois and in neighboring states. She has developed curriculum and lectured at numerous schools, libraries, historical societies and universities including Loyola University, Roosevelt University, and the University of Chicago. Gloria has organized Underground Railroad tours in McHenry, Lake, and Cook Counties. Her publications include Heroes and Heroines of the Underground Railroad, Contributors to the Cause and The Underground Railroad Had Depots Here.
Gloria’s fascination with the Underground Railroad began in 1980 with a question from her late daughter, Anginetti Urch, who was eight-years-old at the time. Netta had just returned home after spending the night with a classmate who lived in the stately mansion in Hebron, Illinois. Her question was: “Mom, did you know that the Mansion Farm was a stop on the Underground Railroad?”