
Chapter Two:
Heroes of Fairfield
During Fairfield’s early days, in particular from the 1830’s through the Civil War in the 1860’s, Fairfield found itself in the crosshairs of one of our country’s largest social issues, slavery. With the help of state historians and local experts, this film re-discovers the situations, stories and people of this very special time in Fairfield’s history.
“Heroes of Fairfield” brings to life stories of ordinary Fairfielders who did extraordinary things to make a difference in this small Midwestern community and how that influence extends into our entire world.
Producer & Director
Dick DeAngelis
Director of Photography
Jason Strong
Film Editor
Amine Koudier
Sound Editor
Tim Britton












More about Heroes Of Fairfield
Regarding the Research Team's groundbreaking work on the Underground Railroad in Fairfield, Iowa
“The phenomenal research efforts of those associated with the film "Heroes of Fairfield" in conjunction with the Iowa Freedom Trail Project, show clearly that the Underground Railroad was indeed active in Fairfield and that substantial traffic came through Fairfield and on to points north and east from there.”
- Dave Holmgren
Lead Researcher, Iowa Freedom Trail Project
Comments after attending Heroes of Fairfield Premiere weekend
"In total, over 1,500 people (mostly adults from the Jefferson County area) attended showings and interactive displays from several local partner museums that week. The level of audience engagement with the film was high. Audible ooohs and aaahs from the audience were triggered by seeing a familiar face or place; easy laughter in the right places also was common. When the film ended Dick and three of his colleagues took the stage and answered questions, which were numerous. At the end of the Q&A session, many people remained in the theater foyer talking for half an hour after the film. Clearly, the goal of boosting awareness and community pride had been achieved.”
- Dr. Jonathan Andelson,
Humanities Professor, Grinnell College and Humanities Advisor to "Heroes"
The premiere of “Heroes of Fairfield” and the history weekend was made possible by
generous local contributions as well as grants from Humanities Iowa, a state-based affiliate of the
National Endowment for the Humanities, the Greater Jefferson County Foundation and the
Fairfield Conventions & Visitors Bureau.
Behind the Scenes

(left to right) Local history author Rory Goff discusses new findings with Bentonsport historian Herb Shafer and Research Director Lawrence Eyre.

Amine Kouider (Front) editing "Heroes" with Director Dick DeAngelis.

Dick DeAngelis (r) sets scene with Tray Cal-El with DP Jason Strong and Ashia Fredeen (l). Taken at the actual site of the Christian Byrkit story.

(left to right) Local history author Rory Goff discusses new findings with Bentonsport historian Herb Shafer and Research Director Lawrence Eyre.
Take a glimpse behind the scenes of Heroes of Fairfield. See some of our favorite moments researching and filming this movie.
This "teaser trailer" was released six months before the premiere of "Heroes of Fairfield" to promote local interest.
Contributors
Interviewees
Robert Brown
Mary Backstrom
Lanisha Cassell
Lawrence Eyre
Paul Gandy
Rory Goff
Judy Ham
Dave Helman
Patia Henderson
Bob Hougher
Jim Kennedy
Leo Landis
Robin Lim
Michelle Manning
Cheyenne Miller
Peggy Miller
Owen Muelder
Will Page
Toba Pearl
Ben Picard
“Big Ed” Picard
Joanne Poole
Jim Salts
Mark Shafer
Rev. Herb Shafer
Lowell Soike
Carroll Steinbeck
Historical Contributors
Lawrence Eyre, Historical Director
Lanisha Cassell
Doris Gilbert
Rory Goff
Rena Goff
Doug Hamilton
Dave Helman
Dave Holmgren
Leo Landis
Jean Leeper
Cheyenne Miller
Owen Muelder
Rev. Herb Shafer
Mark Shafer
Lowell Soike
African American Museum of Iowa
Carnegie Historical Museum
Fairfield Public Library
Iowa Freedom Trails Project
Lewelling Quaker Museum
Maasdam Barns
State Historical Society
The American Battlefield Trust
Underground Railroad Freedom Center at Knox College
U of I Museum of Natural History
U of I Old Capitol Museum
U of I Special Collections
- State Historical Society of Iowa
Sponsors
Corporate Sponsor
Sponsors
Major Sponsors
City of Fairfield, Iowa
Everybody's Whole Food
John DeAngelis
Greater Jefferson County Foundation
Humanities Iowa
Cafe Paradiso
Bob Ferguson
Fred and Donalda Fredeen
Sally Johnston
Gene Copeland
Ed and Vicki Malloy
Pilot Grove Savings Bank
Terrance Ryan
Francis and Susan Thicke