Underground Railroad museum worth drive

By Jamila T. Williams
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

Take a ride down Interstate-71 South and you will find one of Ohio’s best kept secrets. In the heart of downtown Cincinnati, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center thrives on giving visitors “stories about freedom’s heroes inspiring everyone to ‘take steps for freedom.’”
Considering its closeness to the Underground Railroad, Cincinnati is the ideal place to have such a museum. Historically, Ohio was a free state, while just across the river, sat Kentucky – a slave state. Many slaves crossed the Ohio River into Cincinnati, in search of their freedom.
Eight permanent exhibits are located throughout the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and it houses temporary exhibits and events throughout the year.
Some aspects of the museum can be quite touching and the Freedom Center does its job of displaying the mission of freedom. Those who worry about the appropriateness for children can be assured that much of the museum is designed to spark a child’s interest and to also tell an accurate story.
Co-workers, Lakeysha Locke, 33 and Theresa Marquez, 43, visited from Michigan and highly recommend the museum to everyone. After their visit at the Freedom Center, both women gave their experience a perfect 10.
“ It was very informative regarding the history of black people in America and all over the world,” said Lakeysha Locke.
“ It was a very emotional experience for me and informative,” said Theresa Marquez.
The center gives revelations of past issues and serves to drive home the importance of freedom and equality. With these foundational building blocks, the people have gained strength and survived as a group.

For more, please subscribe to the Columbus Post.