Preserving the Story of The Underground Railroad While Rethinking America’s Infrastructure

About this episode

The episode discusses the preservation of the Underground Railroad's story and the implications of race on American infrastructure.

Peter Miele, Senior Project Leader with the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, joins the show to explore how the region’s natural landscapes, waterways, and historic communities are preserved and shared with the public. He discusses the mission of the Heritage Area, highlighting efforts to connect people with the Susquehanna River’s environmental, cultural, and historical significance. In his new book White Care: The Impact of Race on American Infrastructure , Prof. Cotten Seiler examines a provocative argument: the decline of U.S. infrastructure isn’t just about cost—it’s about who benefits. He explores how, beginning in the mid-20th century, white Americans withdrew support from public systems like schools, parks, and transportation as those systems became more racially integrated.

People in this episode

Guest: Peter Miele

Topics covered

• Underground Railroad
• American infrastructure
• racial integration
• cultural significance
• environmental preservation

Keywords

• Underground Railroad
• infrastructure
• racial impact
• Susquehanna River
• cultural heritage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Books & works: White Care: The Impact of Race on American Infrastructure

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