The University of Illinois Home Extension program of Peoria County is sponsoring an educational lesson on the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois; the use of our waterways to move the slaves to safety and the history of the music and lyrics which preserved our heritage. Lee Murdock of Kaneville, Illinois will present this program on October 19th, 2010, beginning at 1:00 p.m. and concluding at 3:00 p.m. The program will be presented in both music and story format. The reference book “Lake Rhymes” (Folk Songs of the Great Lakes Region) with CD will be used and available for purchase that day.

Mr. Murdock is associated with Artists of Note in the Chicago area. He has centered his life’s work on the Great Lakes; the tales and folk music that have come about as a result of the shipping industry in the Lakes, the history of the Irish and their movement across the country ultimately landing in the South Side of Chicago. We often hear those wonderful Irish songs at the Erin Feis.

One of the songs to be studied is “Follow the Drinkin’ Gourd,” a chanty which was developed by the slaves as they moved north to Canada. Come see if you can detect the “code words” which outlined the path of travel they would take to freedom.

This will be a very entertaining yet very educational offering, one which is affordable at the low rate of $5. This fee includes the lesson and all handouts. If you are a member of Home Extension the program is free.

Mr. Murdock will have his book and accompanying CD available for purchase that day at a reduced rate.

The Peoria County Office of University of Illinois Extension is located at 4810 N. Sheridan Rd, (corner of Sheridan and Glen) in the Glen Plaza. Seating will be limited to 53. Call with reservations to Julann at 685-3140.