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The Parker Historical Society was...
The Parker Historical Society was founded in 1996 to recognize, celebrate and preserve the legacy of John P. Parker and his family. P. Parker, born in the era of slavery, managed to buy his freedom at the age of 18 and settled in Ripley. There he built the Phoenix Foundry and Machine Company. In the museum, a library displays a biographical essay about Parker. The Museum recounts the history of the crusade against slavery and the role the underground railway played in Ripley.