With only loose, local networks and no formal, large-scale organization, the Underground Railroad helped many slaves escape to the North, West, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. It wasn't a railroad, nor did it actually run underground or follow an established route, but relied on sympathetic families along multiple routes to provide safe houses and transportation. Escaping slaves walked most of the way and concealed themselves in abandoned mine shafts, underground tunnels, wagons with false bottoms or hidden compartments built into the safe houses. Word of mouth was a safer way to find out about the location of the next safe house than lanterns, which would signal the slaves' location to the slave catchers too and endanger the owner of the house and his family. Nonetheless, making an Underground Railroad lantern craft can spark a discussion of how light represents the freedom sought by the escapees in spite of the dangers and difficulties involved.
- Half-gallon paper milk or juice carton
- Craft knife or scissors
- Permanent marker
- Tin foil
- Duct tape
- Hole puncher
- Flexible wire
- Wire cutters
- Votive candle
- Matches or lighter
- Corrugated cardboard
- Large tin can
- Freezer
- Hammer
- Nail
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Instructions
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1
Cut the top off a half-gallon paper milk or juice carton. Draw a window design in each side and cut out the shapes.
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2
Wrap the entire carton in tin foil. Trim the foil around the window openings and fold the edges to the inside, taping where necessary to hold it in place. Line the inside walls and base with foil sheets cut to size and tape in place. Trim the inner lining where it covers the window opening.
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3
Punch a hole in two opposite sides with a hole puncher. Cut a 12-inch length of flexible wire and bend the ends in small loops through the holes as a lantern handle.
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4
Place a votive candle in the bottom of the lantern and light it at dark.