About Us
Woodlawn celebrates the courage of those involved with the Underground Railroad and demonstrates mid-1800’s farm life as a living museum and self-supporting historic site in rural Morgan County, Illinois.
Visit Woodlawn Farm and learn about founder Michael Huffaker, his family and their role in helping free people from slavery. The farmhouse is open to the public seasonally for tours May through September, and several annual events have become beloved, well-attended activities for the community.
The farm was purchased Dec. 29, 2003, to serve as a living history museum and is operated by the Underground Railroad Committee of the Morgan County Illinois Historical Society. The committee is composed of volunteers who oversee maintenance of the home and 10-acre grounds, tours, special events and fundraising activities.
2021-22 Underground Railroad Committee
Terry Maggart, Chairman
Jane Hadden, Vice-Chair
Michelle Nelson, Secretary
Barbara Suelter, Treasurer
Art Wilson + Abbie Templin, Founding Directors
The Committee welcomes all who would help us tell and relive the story of Woodlawn. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Farm.
Share your talents with us!
Underground Railroad Committee Mission Statement:
To provide research & educational opportunities on the history of the Underground Railroad in Morgan County.
In the News
Lt. governor visits city, gets history lesson at Woodlawn Farm
Jacksonville Journal-Courier | Feb. 20, 2020
“It’s important to know the history,” Stratton said, adding that locations like Woodlawn Farm are great for younger generations to learn and understand what it is to fight for something.
Woodlawn Farm festival to feature new pieces
Jacksonville Journal-Courier | Sept. 8, 2016
An 1870s cradle that belonged to the Huffaker family who once owned historic Woodlawn Farm is now on display at the farm.
A tie to the Underground Railroad
State Journal-Register | Aug. 29, 2008
The doorbell — embossed with the date Oct. 23, 1860 — is a reminder of things that happened in the two-story brick home built in 1840 by Michael Huffaker, a pioneer settler who people wouldn’t dream was involved in anything clandestine.