Ohio Black History

by DiscoverOhio

During the slavery era in the United States, Ohio was a major gateway to freedom with the Ohio River serving as a final barrier to independence.
Retrace the steps of fugitive slaves, and learn about the vast contributions to society made by African-Americans of past and present.

Begin your journey on the shores of the Ohio River at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. During the 1800s, an estimated 100,000 slaves sought liberty through the Underground Railroad. This museum brings their stories to life.

Afterward, head to the Underground Railroad Freedom Trail and tour sites actually used by slaves. Go to visitclermontohio.com to choose which historical sites you would like to visit on this extensive tour.

Your next stop is the Afro-American Museum, which educates the public about African-American history and culture.

Continue north to the King Arts Complex. This vital cultural arts center is an oasis for cultural and educational activities. Check out the Elijah Pierce Gallery that offers a wide range of historical and contemporary exhibitions which include paintings, sculptures, graphics, photography and decorative arts. 

For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, consider a week-long journey on the Heart of the Underground Railroad Bicycle Tour. The moderate daily mileages and support allow cyclists to truly absorb the significance of the route.

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Tour Stops

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  National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

  Visitors of all ages, races and faith backgrounds enter the Freedom Center every day. They leave moved, changed and inspired. Much more than a museum, the Freedom Center reveals stories about freedom’s heroes and challenges guests to take steps to make a difference in their own lives and in their own world.  Visitors march with Martin Luther King in Selma; escape by moonlight along the Underground Railroad; share the trauma and struggles of those almost 27 million persons enslaved in the world today.   The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is an experience you will remember for a lifetime. Located just a few walking blocks south from the core of downtown Cincinnati and directly on the banks of the Ohio River.

  • Address: 50 E. Freedom Way
    Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
  • Phone: Local Number: 5133337500
  • Email: groupsales@nurfc.org
  • Website: http://www.freedomcenter.org
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  Underground Railroad Freedom Trail

  The Clermont County Ohio Freedom Trail contains 33 sites, 19 of which are approved to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Currently, the Clermont Freedom Trail contains the largest Network to Freedom program in the nation. This trail of Underground Railroad and Abolitionist sites is outlined in a brochure with maps and historical summations. The Clermont County Freedom Trail is a great additional attraction for those planning to visit the new National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Museum. Clermont County is conveniently located just east of Cincinnati, and some sites are on the way to the Rankin House in Brown County. To request a copy of the driving guide publication, contact the Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-796-4282 or download online at: www.clermontfreedomtrail.com Suggested itineraries and special services are available for groups and motorcoach visitors.

  • Address: 410 E. Main St.
    PO Box 100
    Batavia, Ohio 45103
  • Phone: Local Number: 513-732-3600
  • Email: info@visitclermontohio.com
  • Website: http://www.clermontfreedomtrail.com
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  National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

  The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center near Dayton aims to educate the public about African American history and culture from African origins to the present through a variety of programs, including museum exhibits, research and publications, visiting scholars, oral and visual history and adult and children's educational activities.
  

  • Address: 1350 Brush Row Rd
    Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
  • Phone: Toll-Free: 8007522603
  • Email: communications@ohiohistory.org
  • Website: http://www.ohiohistory.org/calendar
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  The King Arts Complex

  The King Arts Complex is a cultural center devoted to promoting African-American heritage. Through a multifaceted approach, The King Arts Complex offers performing, cultural and educational programs that provide high artistic merit and offer varied and diverse experiences.
  
  Feel what the long journey to the New World was like for slaves in the interactive permanent exhibit “Cargo: The Middle Passage,” which looks, sounds and feels like a slave ship.

  • Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave.
    Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Phone: Local Number: 6146455464
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.thekingartscomplex.com