For any questions or concerns, please contact jks03558@sjfc.edu or aeh05339@sjfc.edu
A choose-your-own adventure style virtual escape room using the Underground Railroad
The Flight to Freedom
START
Headphones recommended
"You are an enslaved person escaping to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Solve riddles and make choices to reach Rochester, New York. Can you complete the journey?"
YES
NO
"It’s late in the season, and today is the day to seek freedom. You’ve heard of a safe house nearby and a path North. Your heart races as you stand at the field’s edge, knowing one wrong move could mean enslavement."
Contextualize your topic with a subtitle
Contextualize your topic with a subtitle
CONTINUE
BACK
HINT
"You're in your room packing a bag you're going to take with you on your journey. What should you bring?"You can bring 3 items. Click on the most important items to bring them.
Mirror
Blanket
Loaf of bread
Bucket
Jug
CONTINUE
Shoes
Fancy dress
BACK
Click here to listen to "The Drinking Gourd" song
"Before you leave, someone stops you and repeats the lyrics to the song 'Follow the Drinking Gourd'. This will help you on your journey north." Click below to find out why!
Click to learn more about the song "Follow the Drinking Gourd"
CONTINUE
You’ve escaped a life of unfair treatment and are on a secret journey to freedom. Conductors will guide you, but you must stay careful and smart. Follow the North Star to find freedom. Click the right star to continue!
Contextualize your topic with a subtitle
GO
Click here to learn more about the North Star!
HINT
CONTINUE
BACK
HINT
Click the question mark to reveal what you're thinking!
"As you crouch into hiding, you see someone who escaped from the same plantation. The women whispers to you stating that her baby is slowing her down, and she has to return back from where she came from."
Click the star!
CONTINUE
"As you crouch in hiding, a person approaches, and a calm voice calls out- it's Harriet Tubman. She reassures you and tells you to follow the river to reach a safe house."
CONTINUE
Click here to learn more about Harriet Tubman!
HINT
Click here to learn more about the rivers!
In the woods
On the riverbank
"Harriet Tubman leads you to a river, and tells you of a nearby safe house. Before leaving to help others, she reminds you that staying hidden is crucial." Click where you think is the safest to walk!
In the river
CONTINUE
CONTINUE
BACK
"Walking in the woods along the river was the safest option in this case, as you're able to stay hidden and avoid foot prints for enforcers to track." Click to find out more about what to avoid!
In the river
The river banks
"You quietly make your way through the trees, but suddenly you hear barking in the distance. Someone is coming- and they have a dog."
CONTINUE
"You need to move fast! Before you make your decision, you recall the song 'Wade in the Water' to help guide you."
Click here to listen to "Wade in the Water"
BACK
Click here to learn more about "Wade in the Water"
CONTINUE
HINT
"Where should you walk now?" Click on the correct dot.
In the woods
On the riverbanks
In the river
Click here for more information on trained dogs.
BACK
CONTINUE
"You followed the river and stumbled across two houses. One offers safety, the other could mean danger." Think carefully! Which should you choose? Click "CONTINUE" to pick your house.
CONTINUE
HINT
Slide the arrows to see more of each house!
CONTINUE
A lantern or a candle in the window often was a symbol of the house being a safe place for enslaved people.
Slide the arrows to get a better look at the safe symbols! You may need to look out for them again!
CONTINUE
Click here to learn more information about the safe houses used!
CONTINUE
Click the arrows to see what the hidden rooms and safe houses looked like!
CONTINUE
"You're resting in a safe house when you see a book: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass."
"As you're reading through the autobiography, learning about his life, one quote sticks out to you:" "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free"-Frederick Douglass. "This sticks with you because it shows how powerful knowledge can be. Frederick Douglass proved that learning to read gave him the tools to fight for freedom- and now, it inspires you to keep going on your journey."
CONTINUE
"After resting at the safe house, you set out through the woods under the cover of night. The path is rough, but you remember Harriet Tubmans guidance and press on."
CONTINUE
You're almost there! Keep going!
"As you're walking through the woods, you run into a man who goes by John Brown. He tells you he's risked everything for freedom."
Click here to learn more about John Brown!
"Rochester is just ahead! A key stop on the Underground Railroad." Which famous abolitionist lived here?
Frederick Douglass! Be on the lookout for him when you arrive!
Click on the card to reversal the answer!
CONTINUE
Click here to learn about Frederick Douglass!
"Finally, as dawn breaks, you reach the edge of the woods- and there stands Frederick Douglass, waiting to welcome you to freedom in Rochester, NY."
CONTINUE
"Frederick Douglass introduces you to Amy Post, as she welcomes you to Rochester and congratulates you on your freedom. She offers to show you around the city, guiding you to safe houses, trusted allies, and the next stop on your journey.
CONTINUE
"Amy hands you this map of Rochester to help you get around!"
CONTINUE
Click on each dot to learn the history behind each building and landmark!
"Here are some real-life pictures of Frederick Douglass' house located in Rochester, NY!"
CONTINUE
"CONGRATULATIONS! You've escaped from a life of oppression and hardship. Tomorrow, you will board a boat to Canada, where you will be free under their government."
Why Canada? Click here to find out.
EXIT
Hiram Sibley was a rich businessman who helped build the first big telegraph company, which helped people send messages far away. He lived in a big house in Rochester near people like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. His house reminds us of how Rochester was full of important people working to make the world a better place.
You've found the North Star!
This bright star will guide you on your journey to freedom. Keep following it's light to stay safe and find your way to the North!
A loaf of bread is a perfect choice. Who knows how long it will be till you find food.
Rivers were often used by enslaved people, as it acts as a natural guide to escape enforcers. The Ohio River was one of the most important rivers since it marked the boundary between enslaved states and free states. The Mississippi and Delaware River also provided key routes North.
Canada was a safe haven for escaped enslaved people because it abolished slavery in 1834. The British government, which controlled Canada, provided protection for all people, regardless of race. In Canada, you will have the freedom to live life without fear of your former life!
Safe houses in Rochester were secret homes where people escaping enslavement could rest and hide. Families like the Posts and other helpers gave them food, a warm place to sleep, and helped them get to their next stop on their journey to freedom. These houses were part of the Underground Railroad and helped many people stay safe.
The Genesee River runs through Rochester and was important for transportation, trade, and powering mills in the 1800s. It helped Rochester grow quickly as an industrial city. For people escaping enslavement, the river sometimes served as a guide to help them navigate North. It also connected them to allies and safe houses in the area, making it part of the larger network of the Underground Railroad.
In the 1800s, the market in Rochester was a busy place where people bought and sold food, clothes, and other goods. Farmers came to sell fruits, vegetables, and meat. It was also a place where people shared news and helped each other. Some people escaping enslavement could blend in with the crowds or get food from kind helpers at the market.
Frederick Douglass was a former enslaved person becoming a leading abolitionist, writer, and speaker. Born in 1818, he escaped in 1838 and became a powerful advocate for emancipation and civil rights. His famous autobiography detailed his experiences and struggles for freedom. Douglass also fought for women's rights and continued to push for equality after the Civil War.
"I wish I could stay and help. I hope she can find another opportunity to escape to freedom."
Enslaved people used the North Star (also called Polaris) to guide them toward freedom. The North Star is part of the Little Dipper and always points North. Since it stays in the same spot in the night sky, it helped freedom seekers stay on course when traveling through forests and fields at night.
Dogs were frequently employed and trained to track and capture escaped enslaved individuals. These dogs were prized for their keen sense of smell and ability to follow human scent trails over long distances and challenging terrains. The mere sound of these hounds was a harrowing reminder to escaped enslaved individuals that their pursuers were never far behind.
It's a painful moment. Not everyone can travel together. Sometimes that means leaving people behind.
Frederick Douglass's house in Rochester was both his home and a center for abolitionist activity. He lived there from 1847 to 1872, and during that time, it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Douglass sheltered many enslaved people there and also published his influential anti-slavery newspaper, The North Star, from Rochester. His home was a gathering place for key figures in the fight for freedom and equality, including Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony.
You've picked the correct safe house! Click "CONTINUE" to find out more.
Shoes are a great choice for the long days and nights of walking ahead!
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, was a major waterway that connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, making travel and trade much faster and cheaper. It turned cities like Rochester into booming centers of industry and commerce. For people escaping enslavement, the canal was also a useful route- providing a way to travel more quickly and sometimes secretly toward freedom in the North or Canada. It played an important role in the growth of New York and the Underground Railroad.
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Rochester was a very important place for the Black community. It wasn't just a church- it was also a meeting place where people worked together to help those escaping enslavement. The church gave people hope, support, and a safe space during hard times.
"Follow the Drinking Gourd" was a secret code song used on the Underground Railroad to guide enslaved people to freedom. The "drinking gourd" refers to the Big Dipper constellation, which points to the North Star. The song served as a map, using natural clues to help enslaved people find their way to freedom.
Safe houses on the Underground Railroad were owned by abolitionists, free African Americans, and allies. Signs like lanterns or candles marked them as safe. Inside, hidden rooms and false walls provided shelter. Enslaved people usually stayed for a night or two, receiving food, clothing, and care before moving on.
John Brown was an American abolitionist who fought against enslavement using violence. In 1859, he led a raid on Harpers Ferry to start a slave revolt, however it failed, and he was executed. He became a symbol of the fight against enslavement.
A blanket is an excellent choice for the cold nights ahead. And, it's light and won't weigh you down.
You've chosen the correct spot to follow the river! Click "Continue" to find out why!
Correct! Walking in the river helped mask scent because water washes away sweat and skin cells that dogs use to track people. It also disrupts how scent travels through air, making it harder for dogs to follow the trail. You've escaped danger once again!
Amy Post's house in Rochester was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, where she and her husband Isaac sheltered enslaved people escaping to freedom. Their home sheltered famous reformers like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, making it a key site for both the abolitionist and women's rights movements.
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
"Wade in the Water" was a spiritual song used by escaping enslaved people to avoid becoming enslaved again. The lyrics encouraged wading through rivers or streams to wash away their scent, confusing tracking dogs. The song symbolizes freedom and safety, guiding enslaved people toward safe routes and houses on their journey North.
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
In the 1800s, new bridges were built in Rochester to help people and wagons cross the Genesee River. These bridges made it easier to travel, and grow the city. Some people escaping enslavement used the bridges as part of their journey to freedom, moving safely from one side of the river to the other.
Harriet Tubman was a brave conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping many enslaved people escape to freedom. She was born enslaved, and escaped in 1849 and risked her life to lead others to safety through a secret network of houses and routes. Harriet Tubman later became known as "Moses" for guiding so many to freedom. She later served as a spy and a nurse during the Civil War.
The Flight to Freedom
Micah Beiter
Created on March 30, 2026
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Transcript
For any questions or concerns, please contact jks03558@sjfc.edu or aeh05339@sjfc.edu
A choose-your-own adventure style virtual escape room using the Underground Railroad
The Flight to Freedom
START
Headphones recommended
"You are an enslaved person escaping to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Solve riddles and make choices to reach Rochester, New York. Can you complete the journey?"
YES
NO
"It’s late in the season, and today is the day to seek freedom. You’ve heard of a safe house nearby and a path North. Your heart races as you stand at the field’s edge, knowing one wrong move could mean enslavement."
Contextualize your topic with a subtitle
Contextualize your topic with a subtitle
CONTINUE
BACK
HINT
"You're in your room packing a bag you're going to take with you on your journey. What should you bring?"You can bring 3 items. Click on the most important items to bring them.
Mirror
Blanket
Loaf of bread
Bucket
Jug
CONTINUE
Shoes
Fancy dress
BACK
Click here to listen to "The Drinking Gourd" song
"Before you leave, someone stops you and repeats the lyrics to the song 'Follow the Drinking Gourd'. This will help you on your journey north." Click below to find out why!
Click to learn more about the song "Follow the Drinking Gourd"
CONTINUE
You’ve escaped a life of unfair treatment and are on a secret journey to freedom. Conductors will guide you, but you must stay careful and smart. Follow the North Star to find freedom. Click the right star to continue!
Contextualize your topic with a subtitle
GO
Click here to learn more about the North Star!
HINT
CONTINUE
BACK
HINT
Click the question mark to reveal what you're thinking!
"As you crouch into hiding, you see someone who escaped from the same plantation. The women whispers to you stating that her baby is slowing her down, and she has to return back from where she came from."
Click the star!
CONTINUE
"As you crouch in hiding, a person approaches, and a calm voice calls out- it's Harriet Tubman. She reassures you and tells you to follow the river to reach a safe house."
CONTINUE
Click here to learn more about Harriet Tubman!
HINT
Click here to learn more about the rivers!
In the woods
On the riverbank
"Harriet Tubman leads you to a river, and tells you of a nearby safe house. Before leaving to help others, she reminds you that staying hidden is crucial." Click where you think is the safest to walk!
In the river
CONTINUE
CONTINUE
BACK
"Walking in the woods along the river was the safest option in this case, as you're able to stay hidden and avoid foot prints for enforcers to track." Click to find out more about what to avoid!
In the river
The river banks
"You quietly make your way through the trees, but suddenly you hear barking in the distance. Someone is coming- and they have a dog."
CONTINUE
"You need to move fast! Before you make your decision, you recall the song 'Wade in the Water' to help guide you."
Click here to listen to "Wade in the Water"
BACK
Click here to learn more about "Wade in the Water"
CONTINUE
HINT
"Where should you walk now?" Click on the correct dot.
In the woods
On the riverbanks
In the river
Click here for more information on trained dogs.
BACK
CONTINUE
"You followed the river and stumbled across two houses. One offers safety, the other could mean danger." Think carefully! Which should you choose? Click "CONTINUE" to pick your house.
CONTINUE
HINT
Slide the arrows to see more of each house!
CONTINUE
A lantern or a candle in the window often was a symbol of the house being a safe place for enslaved people.
Slide the arrows to get a better look at the safe symbols! You may need to look out for them again!
CONTINUE
Click here to learn more information about the safe houses used!
CONTINUE
Click the arrows to see what the hidden rooms and safe houses looked like!
CONTINUE
"You're resting in a safe house when you see a book: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass."
"As you're reading through the autobiography, learning about his life, one quote sticks out to you:" "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free"-Frederick Douglass. "This sticks with you because it shows how powerful knowledge can be. Frederick Douglass proved that learning to read gave him the tools to fight for freedom- and now, it inspires you to keep going on your journey."
CONTINUE
"After resting at the safe house, you set out through the woods under the cover of night. The path is rough, but you remember Harriet Tubmans guidance and press on."
CONTINUE
You're almost there! Keep going!
"As you're walking through the woods, you run into a man who goes by John Brown. He tells you he's risked everything for freedom."
Click here to learn more about John Brown!
"Rochester is just ahead! A key stop on the Underground Railroad." Which famous abolitionist lived here?
Frederick Douglass! Be on the lookout for him when you arrive!
Click on the card to reversal the answer!
CONTINUE
Click here to learn about Frederick Douglass!
"Finally, as dawn breaks, you reach the edge of the woods- and there stands Frederick Douglass, waiting to welcome you to freedom in Rochester, NY."
CONTINUE
"Frederick Douglass introduces you to Amy Post, as she welcomes you to Rochester and congratulates you on your freedom. She offers to show you around the city, guiding you to safe houses, trusted allies, and the next stop on your journey.
CONTINUE
"Amy hands you this map of Rochester to help you get around!"
CONTINUE
Click on each dot to learn the history behind each building and landmark!
"Here are some real-life pictures of Frederick Douglass' house located in Rochester, NY!"
CONTINUE
"CONGRATULATIONS! You've escaped from a life of oppression and hardship. Tomorrow, you will board a boat to Canada, where you will be free under their government."
Why Canada? Click here to find out.
EXIT
Hiram Sibley was a rich businessman who helped build the first big telegraph company, which helped people send messages far away. He lived in a big house in Rochester near people like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. His house reminds us of how Rochester was full of important people working to make the world a better place.
You've found the North Star!
This bright star will guide you on your journey to freedom. Keep following it's light to stay safe and find your way to the North!
A loaf of bread is a perfect choice. Who knows how long it will be till you find food.
Rivers were often used by enslaved people, as it acts as a natural guide to escape enforcers. The Ohio River was one of the most important rivers since it marked the boundary between enslaved states and free states. The Mississippi and Delaware River also provided key routes North.
Canada was a safe haven for escaped enslaved people because it abolished slavery in 1834. The British government, which controlled Canada, provided protection for all people, regardless of race. In Canada, you will have the freedom to live life without fear of your former life!
Safe houses in Rochester were secret homes where people escaping enslavement could rest and hide. Families like the Posts and other helpers gave them food, a warm place to sleep, and helped them get to their next stop on their journey to freedom. These houses were part of the Underground Railroad and helped many people stay safe.
The Genesee River runs through Rochester and was important for transportation, trade, and powering mills in the 1800s. It helped Rochester grow quickly as an industrial city. For people escaping enslavement, the river sometimes served as a guide to help them navigate North. It also connected them to allies and safe houses in the area, making it part of the larger network of the Underground Railroad.
In the 1800s, the market in Rochester was a busy place where people bought and sold food, clothes, and other goods. Farmers came to sell fruits, vegetables, and meat. It was also a place where people shared news and helped each other. Some people escaping enslavement could blend in with the crowds or get food from kind helpers at the market.
Frederick Douglass was a former enslaved person becoming a leading abolitionist, writer, and speaker. Born in 1818, he escaped in 1838 and became a powerful advocate for emancipation and civil rights. His famous autobiography detailed his experiences and struggles for freedom. Douglass also fought for women's rights and continued to push for equality after the Civil War.
"I wish I could stay and help. I hope she can find another opportunity to escape to freedom."
Enslaved people used the North Star (also called Polaris) to guide them toward freedom. The North Star is part of the Little Dipper and always points North. Since it stays in the same spot in the night sky, it helped freedom seekers stay on course when traveling through forests and fields at night.
Dogs were frequently employed and trained to track and capture escaped enslaved individuals. These dogs were prized for their keen sense of smell and ability to follow human scent trails over long distances and challenging terrains. The mere sound of these hounds was a harrowing reminder to escaped enslaved individuals that their pursuers were never far behind.
It's a painful moment. Not everyone can travel together. Sometimes that means leaving people behind.
Frederick Douglass's house in Rochester was both his home and a center for abolitionist activity. He lived there from 1847 to 1872, and during that time, it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Douglass sheltered many enslaved people there and also published his influential anti-slavery newspaper, The North Star, from Rochester. His home was a gathering place for key figures in the fight for freedom and equality, including Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony.
You've picked the correct safe house! Click "CONTINUE" to find out more.
Shoes are a great choice for the long days and nights of walking ahead!
The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, was a major waterway that connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, making travel and trade much faster and cheaper. It turned cities like Rochester into booming centers of industry and commerce. For people escaping enslavement, the canal was also a useful route- providing a way to travel more quickly and sometimes secretly toward freedom in the North or Canada. It played an important role in the growth of New York and the Underground Railroad.
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Rochester was a very important place for the Black community. It wasn't just a church- it was also a meeting place where people worked together to help those escaping enslavement. The church gave people hope, support, and a safe space during hard times.
"Follow the Drinking Gourd" was a secret code song used on the Underground Railroad to guide enslaved people to freedom. The "drinking gourd" refers to the Big Dipper constellation, which points to the North Star. The song served as a map, using natural clues to help enslaved people find their way to freedom.
Safe houses on the Underground Railroad were owned by abolitionists, free African Americans, and allies. Signs like lanterns or candles marked them as safe. Inside, hidden rooms and false walls provided shelter. Enslaved people usually stayed for a night or two, receiving food, clothing, and care before moving on.
John Brown was an American abolitionist who fought against enslavement using violence. In 1859, he led a raid on Harpers Ferry to start a slave revolt, however it failed, and he was executed. He became a symbol of the fight against enslavement.
A blanket is an excellent choice for the cold nights ahead. And, it's light and won't weigh you down.
You've chosen the correct spot to follow the river! Click "Continue" to find out why!
Correct! Walking in the river helped mask scent because water washes away sweat and skin cells that dogs use to track people. It also disrupts how scent travels through air, making it harder for dogs to follow the trail. You've escaped danger once again!
Amy Post's house in Rochester was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, where she and her husband Isaac sheltered enslaved people escaping to freedom. Their home sheltered famous reformers like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, making it a key site for both the abolitionist and women's rights movements.
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
"Wade in the Water" was a spiritual song used by escaping enslaved people to avoid becoming enslaved again. The lyrics encouraged wading through rivers or streams to wash away their scent, confusing tracking dogs. The song symbolizes freedom and safety, guiding enslaved people toward safe routes and houses on their journey North.
Oops! That will slow you down. Try again!
In the 1800s, new bridges were built in Rochester to help people and wagons cross the Genesee River. These bridges made it easier to travel, and grow the city. Some people escaping enslavement used the bridges as part of their journey to freedom, moving safely from one side of the river to the other.
Harriet Tubman was a brave conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping many enslaved people escape to freedom. She was born enslaved, and escaped in 1849 and risked her life to lead others to safety through a secret network of houses and routes. Harriet Tubman later became known as "Moses" for guiding so many to freedom. She later served as a spy and a nurse during the Civil War.