African Free Schools Questionnaire (Before Viewing the Website) Survey

We are constantly working to make the story of the Underground Railroad better known to visitors, and we value your feedback. We ask that you take a few minutes to answer these questions before viewing the website. We will use the results of this survey to help plan future exhibitions and web resources. We will also ask you six questions about who you are, to help us better understand our audience. Thank you very much!

If you are not sure, please take your best guess.

1. The Underground Railroad was a network of safe houses and conductors that helped slaves escape to freedom.

The Underground Railroad was a network of safe houses and conductors that helped slaves escape to freedom. True

False

2. Slaves traveled from safe house to safe house using a railroad.

Slaves traveled from safe house to safe house using a railroad. True

False

3. When danger threatened one house or conductor, the organizers were able to switch stops to different houses and conductors.

When danger threatened one house or conductor, the organizers were able to switch stops to different houses and conductors. True

False

4. African American and white Underground Railroad conductors did not help each other.

African American and white Underground Railroad conductors did not help each other. True

False

5. Songs helped slaves to learn about secret escape routes to freedom.

Songs helped slaves to learn about secret escape routes to freedom. True

False

6. Astronomy, knowledge of the stars, helped slaves to follow secret escape routes to freedom.

Astronomy, knowledge of the stars, helped slaves to follow secret escape routes to freedom. True

False

7. Slaves who ran away and the people who helped them were breaking the law. This is one reason why it is difficult to prove exactly which houses allowed escaped slaves to stay in them.

Slaves who ran away and the people who helped them were breaking the law. This is one reason why it is difficult to prove exactly which houses allowed escaped slaves to stay in them. True

False

8. All abolitionists (people who spoke out publicly against slavery) were white men.

All abolitionists (people who spoke out publicly against slavery) were white men. True

False

9. Because of the Fugitive Slave Act, a slave could escape to a northern state where he would be free. His owner could hunt for him, and if he found him, the owner could force the escaped slave to give up his freedom and return to slavery.

Because of the Fugitive Slave Act, a slave could escape to a northern state where he would be free. His owner could hunt for him, and if he found him, the owner could force the escaped slave to give up his freedom and return to slavery. True

False

10. After 1850, free African Americans were safe from being kidnapped.

After 1850, free African Americans were safe from being kidnapped. True

False

11. Northern schools embraced the children of former slaves.

Northern schools embraced the children of former slaves. True

False

12. The first generation of African American children to attend public schools often became community leaders and anti-slavery activists.

The first generation of African American children to attend public schools often became community leaders and anti-slavery activists. True

False

13. When slavery in New York ended, the free black community sought education and tried to aid others attempting to escape from slavery.

When slavery in New York ended, the free black community sought education and tried to aid others attempting to escape from slavery. True

False

14. Fugitive slaves who came to New York felt safe from recapture.

Fugitive slaves who came to New York felt safe from recapture. True

False

15. Student work at the New York African Free School showed concern for black advancement.

Student work at the New York African Free School showed concern for black advancement. True

False

16. At the present time, there are hundreds of historic National Parks Service and other sites that preserve the history of the Underground Railroad.

At the present time, there are hundreds of historic National Parks Service and other sites that preserve the history of the Underground Railroad. True

False

17. Have you ever visited another museum, website, or historic site that preserves and interprets Underground Railroad history?

Have you ever visited another museum, website, or historic site that preserves and interprets Underground Railroad history? Yes

African Free Schools Questionnaire (Before Viewing the Website)

1. Survey Questions