murpa.org
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. A 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization, Metamora Underground Railroad Preservation Association (MURPA) was created for this purpose.
Restoration
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..
Historical displays and media will highlight the role of the Ranney family which had 2 conductors in the underground railroad as well as UGRR collaborators such as the Morse and Whitmire families. After renovation has been completed, tours, open houses and events will feature guest lecturers and historians.
Education
Community
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.
Our Initiatives
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.
Each stage of restoration will require many volunteers with a diversity of skills
Volunteering
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.