Uncovering The Secrets Of The Underground Railroad At Valley Forge

What is the connection between the Underground Railroad and Valley Forge? Dionne Patterson will explain, educate and inspire us at this event, which is part of Valley Forge Park Alliance’s Speaker Series, featuring experts, authors, and thought leaders who shed new light on the people, places, and untold stories of Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Dionne Patterson, the visionary behind UGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences Inc., is dedicated to illuminating the antebellum era by exploring the lives of both free and enslaved African Americans, as well as the multifaceted history of the Underground Railroad. A proud graduate of Delaware State University, Dionne is a certified cultural interpretive guide, genealogist, herbalist, forest bathing guide, researcher, and historian. Her mission is to provide a holistic education that brings to light the untold stories of landscapes, structures, and the people who exemplified faith, resilience, and community within the Underground Railroad.

Through her work, Dionne has forged partnerships with state organizations, parks, genealogical societies, school districts, and museums across the Mid-Atlantic Region. She offers immersive experiences through hands-on workshops, curriculum development, walking tours, seminars, and physical events, all focused on African American narratives. As an education consultant, she is recognized as a subject-matter expert (SME) in trauma, cultural competency, diversity, equity, inclusion, and child development. Dionne has also developed programs for institutions of higher learning, the state of Delaware, and both national and state parks.

Dionne’s expertise has led her to collaborate with Delaware State University as a content consultant and storyteller for their documentary “Women of Vision, Women of Purpose,” which explores the Underground Railroad. She will be featured in a PBS documentary on the Underground Railroad through WSKG. Through UGR3DAY, Dionne also writes and produces a quarterly magazine that delves into Underground Railroad travels, Black history, and genealogy.