Chapter Two:
Heroes of Fairfield
We all have people we respect and look up to. “Heroes of Fairfield” delves into what it takes to be a true hero by bringing to life stories of ordinary citizens of the small town of Fairfield, Iowa who did extraordinary things to make a difference in their community and their world. In this second film in the Fairfield History Series, local and state historians, noted authors and local veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces uncover new information and stories about local heroes like U.S. Civil War heroine "Auntie" Mehitable Woods and the local members of Fairfield's “Underground Railroad” (UGRR), including a free black couple named James and Nancy Yancey. The local history team re-discover a first-hand account of a UGRR conductor named Christian Byrkit.
More about Heroes Of Fairfield
“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
"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"
Behind the Scenes
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.
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.
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
Robin Lim
Toba Pearl
Joanne Poole
Patia Henderson
James T. Salts
Michelle Manning
Bob Hougher
Jim Kennedy
Cheyenne Miller
Robert Brown
Mary Backstrom
Carroll Steinbeck
Lawrence Eyre
Rory Goff
Rev. Herb Shafer
Lowell Soike
Owen Muelder
Judy Ham
Peggy Miller
Leo Landis
Dave Helman
Ben Picard
“Big Ed” Pickard
Paul Gandy
Lanisha Cassell
Will Page
Mark Shafer
Historical Contributors
Lawrence Eyre
Doris Gilbert
Rory Goff
Rena Goff
Doug Hamilton
Dave Hellman
Dave Holmgren
Leo Landis
Jean Leeper
Cheyenne Miller
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 of Iowa
The American Battlefield Trust
Underground Railroad Freedom Center at Knox College
University of Iowa
- Museum of Natural History
- Old Capitol Museum
- Special Collections, State Historical Society of Iowa
Sponsors
Partners
Fairfield Media Center
Cafe Paradiso
Everybody’s Whole Foods
Fairfield Iowa Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ferguson Leaders Unlimited
Libertyville Savings Bank
Pilot Grove Savings Bank
Sponsors
Gene Copeland
John DeAngelis
Fred and Donalda Fredeen
Sally Denney Johnston
Ed and Vicki Malloy
Francis and Susan Thicke