Night Sky Program: Starry Skies and Freedom Stories

Park Event · New Philadelphia National Historic Site · Aug 29, 2026 · 8:00 PM–10:00 PM

Join us under dark skies to explore the stars that once guided people toward freedom. National Park Rangers and the University of Illinois–Springfield Astronomy Department will share powerful stories and guided stargazing, illuminating how the night sky supported freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

This program begins at 8:00 p.m. as daylight fades to twilight with a ranger-led talk focused on celestial connections to local Underground Railroad stories. When twilight transitions to night, you are invited to experience a variety of astronomy activities, such as telescope viewing led by the University of Illinois-Springfield astronomers. Participants will be invited to look up at features of the night sky using telescopes.

Starry Skies and Freedom Stories takes place in nearby Pittsfield, Illinois, at the Pittsfield City Lake Campground. Participants are invited to drop in and depart at any time during the evening. This program wraps up at 10 p.m. When the program ends, visitors are welcome to stay and continue viewing the night sky on their own.

Come Prepared!

Bring bug spray and a chair. August is hot in western Illinois. But evening temperatures can be cooler. Bring layers and dress for the weather. To help you navigate in the dark, bring a flashlight with a red light or red light filter. This will help you see at night while protecting your night vision.

Weather permitting: this program may cancel for inclement weather.

Source: National Park Service (public domain).