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Metamora Underground Railroad Preservation Association

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Join us in preserving the rich history and culture of Metamora, Illinois. Your contributions make it possible to restore and maintain significant historic buildings in the area.

Our Purpose

Our Commitment

At murpa.org, we aim to preserve and restore historic buildings in Metamora, Illinois.

Preservation

The founding purpose of the Metamora Underground Railroad Preservation Association (MURPA) is to acquire and restore the Ranney house at 605 Mt Vernon St., and potentially other properties in the Metamora area associated with the underground railroad (UGRR). A 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization, Metamora Underground Railroad Preservation Association (MURPA) was created for this purpose. If we are unable to acquire and restore the Ranney house, donations will be used to support other historical programs and projects focused on the UGRR in central Illinois. These alternative uses of donation funds are listed below under the Education and Community sections.

Planned activities:  The first restoration priorities are the foundation and the roof. Next, pipes, windows, walls, insulation and HVAC will be renovated. Interior restoration will complete the house restoration.. 

Restoration

Planned activities:  Historical displays and media will highlight the role of the Ranney family which had 2 conductors in the underground railroad. After renovation has been completed, tours, open houses and events will feature guest lecturers and historians. 

Education

Community

Planned activities:  Community programs will highlight the history of the underground railroad in Metamora and the Peoria metro. Volunteers who want to help with events are welcome.

Stories of Impact

Transformative Journeys

Joel Ranney Sr transported many passengers on the underground railroad (UGRR). He died of pneumonia at age 42 after transporting freedom seekers on a winter night. His son, Joel Alden Ranney, was also an UGRR conductor and community leader. Joel Alden Ranney's son Milo owned the home at 605 W. Mt Vernon Street, Metamora (Ranney House).

Restoration of the Ranney house to an underground RR museum will help preserve UGRR history in Illinois and connect the communities involved in the UGRR.

Volunteering

Each stage of restoration will require many volunteers with a diversity of skills

Supporting Education

Central Illinois has a wealth of gifted historical educators who will educate the public on the UGRR legacy in Metamora and the Peoria metro.

Intended use of donation funds

1. First priority is acquisition of the Ranney house and subsequent renovation of the house into an underground railroad museum.

2. Alternate uses of donation funds if the Ranney house is not acquired: acquisition and renovation of other houses in the local area with connections to the underground railroad. The purpose of the renovations would be to create historical sites that educate the public regarding the underground railroad.​

3. Alternate uses of donation funds if no properties are acquired:  Planned activities include historical presentations that highlight the role of UGRR conductors Joel Ranney Sr. and Joel Alden Ranney as presented by guest lecturers and historians. We also plan to include the broader history of the underground railroad in Metamora and the Peoria metro in future educational programming.

murpa.org

309-501-4806

support@murpa.org

625 W Mt Vernon St, Metamora, IL 61548, USA

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