People who are searching to find something to do in Philadelphia this summer can experience the “Philadelphia Quest For Freedom” program, which gives direct insight to the history of the Underground Railroad.

In commemoration of Juneteenth, a celebration of the ending of American slavery, officials from The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, along with 20 other organizations, assembled at the National Constitution Center to announce the initiation of the program.

The program will feature six trails throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that would educate visitor on the various aspects of the Underground Railroad.

Philadelphia ’s program will feature a Web site, a brochure, living history performances, special exhibitions and tours.

Mayor John Street showed up to the national Constitution Center and said he pleased that African-American history pertaining especially to slavery would be brought to the forefront because he felt that it has been buried throughout time.

“Too many people have not focused on the paradox that went on in this country,” he said.

A large of part of the freeing of slaves had to do with the Emancipation Proclamation, a document presented in 1865 by President Abraham Lincoln that rendered slavery illegal in the country.

The original draft of the document is on display at the National Constitution Center.

Ernie Jones, who works as chairman of the board of The African American Museum, said he was proud to see that such an important piece of history can be seen by all.

“To have the Emancipation Proclamation on display shows the progress of African-American history in this city,” he said.

One of most important exhibits not just to Philadelphia, but the world at large is the erecting of the President’s House Commemorative Site, which will be on the Corner of Sixth and Market St

The President’s House, that once stood at that location, was inhabited by George Washington along with as many as nine slaves who worked and toiled on the property and was the country’s first White House.

Recently, the site underwent an archeological dig to check for artifacts that may still be in the area dating back centuries.

What archeologists found was the actual foundation of the house that can be viewed by visitors.

Cheryl Janifer LaRoache, who works for URS Archaeology, is the lead historical and archeological consultant.

LaRoache said because the memorial will accent the fact that Washington owned slaves, some feel his image will be defamed.

“Some say that we are trying to besmirch Washington, but we reporting history,” she said. “It will let it be known that those nine slaves were enslaved through the duplicity of our first president.”

Other historical landmarks taking place in the Quest for Freedom program are Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, which was founded by Bishop Richard Allen, the African American Museum, the Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum, the Belmont Mansion and the Atwater Kent Museum, all of which will be participating in the Living History Program. From June 23 through September 1 these locations will feature storytelling, re-enactments, theatrical productions.