The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

On the banks of the Ohio river, just beyond the point where slaves exited the water to the state of Ohio where they could be free, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center bears witness to that driving American spirit of freedom. Since its opening in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2004, the center has hosted visitors from around the world, giving them a first hand opportunity to see what it was like to be a slave seeking freedom.

Sit In a Slave Pen-

It's an uneasy feeling, but you may step inside a rough-hewn slave pen, walk the cold floor and sit on hard wooden benches where slaves sat decades ago. You may listen as the docent tells tales of slaves waiting for brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers to be sold away down the river.

Large numbers of slaves were often crammed into slave pens. Still visible are the large metal rings used to chain them to the walls while they awaited their fate.

Thanks to the donation of a Dover, Kentucky farmer, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has one of these simple log structures, an authentic slave pen, on the museum's second floor.

Be A Runaway Slave-

You walk a dusky hallway to take a seat in a small theater. The lights dim and, through a multimedia presentation called "Escape," you feel the emotions of a runaway slave.

In the dark, the small room comes alive with foliage and trees, dark, rustling leaves artificial yet so real. The air fills with the sound of birds, insects and rushing water. You hear the horses in the distance and feel the anxiety of knowing the slave catchers are in hot pursuit. But if you run through the woods, if you don't look back, you can make it to safety.

It's About Freedom-

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is not just about slaves. It's about freedom. The Hall of Freedom Heroes pays tribute to today's heroes, business and community leaders who've done their part for the cause of freedom.

There are many more exhibits at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The John Parker Library contains information on the "Underground Railroad," the organized system of escape for runaway slaves. The Family Search Center provides resources for in depth Genealogical research.

A visitor will find art and fanciful quilts on display. The gift shop sells books, mementos and even jewelry crafted by the Sarah Center Jewelry Artists from Over the Rhine.

The Center hosts lecture series on relevant topics and offers unique spaces for events. You can even hear a recorded message from Oprah Winfrey.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is not just a place to visit during African American History Month, it's a must-see any time of year.