Underground Railroad–YAH Day Trip

Today, we did a new trip, again! This time we went down to Cincinnati to the Freedom Center – Underground Railroad Museum Exhibits.

This is a very worth while trip. It is a serious educational experience. I know that I personally learned a lot about this period of our history. There is a lot to learn. I suspect we could all learn something from this. Since it is in Cincinnati, you would expect it to tell a lot about this part of the country and our involvement in this nasty part of our US history. Fortunately, much of this involved the efforts to free the slaves. For example; how many would know that Oberlin College played a role by being the first college to integrate and and also support the abolition of slavery?

Bob Turner was our driver for this trip and did a good job of maneuvering the yellow barrels and handling the roadwork, on the way down and back. He even found a parking spot right in front of the museum, when they suggested the best place would be several blocks away, on the other side of the football stadium! Thank you Fireman Bob!

The museum covers three levels. The lower level provides for the entry hall, gift and book shop, and lunch room.

Theaters and exhibits covered the second and third floors. The second floor mostly covered the issues of slavery and the “underground railroad” to free and emancipate the slaves. It is worth noting that some freed slaves (even those who paid for their release) were later re-enslaved.

The third floor added more information about other types of slavery that continues to this day. These include slavery of workers, even as our own slavery in the past, and also enslaving women and younger girls as prostitutes. We support a missionary and agency to rescue these people. Becky McDonald heads  up know as Women at Risk, International, and was here in our church this spring.

There were also some nice balcony areas overlooking the Ohio River and into Newport, Kentucky. The second floor balcony included an Eternal Flame.

We could also look down on a reminder of another kind of emancipation. There is a section of the Berlin Wall in front of the building making up a nice garden. This is a reminder of the freeing of many Germans from the bondage of Communism.

We departed the museum for lunch. This was a change for us because we were planning to eat in the museum cafeteria. Unfortunately, it is temporarily closed. So, with Lisa’s help, we selected a Tom + Chee, north of I-275.

I whole heartedly recommend this museum. It is a very good educational experience. Bring your grandkids and make a day of it. I think they would like Tom and Chee, also.

Don’t forget, you can click on any image to see a larger version!