Dear Website Visitor
On behalf of the Board of Directors, our staff and volunteers, let me welcome you to the website of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The Freedom Center’s physical location in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, is just a few steps from the banks of the Ohio River, the great natural barrier that separated the slave states of the South from the free states of the North. Our museum tells the dramatic story of the enslaved crossing over that river on the journey to freedom, assisted by men and women of all backgrounds who hated slavery and had created a secret network of escape routes that came to be called "the Underground Railroad."
Since our opening in August 2004, nearly 900,000 people -- from all 50 states and dozens of nations around the world have toured our exhibits and attended our programs.
Of course, not everyone is able to travel to Cincinnati. So this website contains detailed information about Underground Railroad history, as well as descriptions and images of our inspiring, educational exhibits. From education initiatives, to community enhancement programs, to our increasingly popular blogs, you will find relevant discussion about subjects that really are important today, such as human trafficking. Our purpose in presenting this information is to inspire you to action, in the spirit of the 19th Century Abolitionists, to pursue justice and freedom for all people.
I hope you will visit here often, and if you have any comments or suggestions, let me hear from you.
Sincerely,
Donald W. Murphy
President & Chief Executive Officer
What We Are
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center opened in August 2004 on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Our purpose is to tell the story of the struggle for freedom in the United States through exhibits and programs that focus on America's battle to rid itself of the ugly scourge of slavery and treat all its citizens with respect and dignity.
The frame of reference of the museum is the compelling drama of the Underground Railroad. This was not an actual railroad, with tracks and cars and engines, but instead a secret network of escape routes that existed in the years leading up to the Civil War. One major escape route passed through the region in and around Cincinnati. These paths was used by escaping slaves fleeing those states where slavery was legal; along the way, they were often given food, shelter and guidance by sympathetic citizens who opposed slavery.
The underlying theme of the Underground Railroad, which we reinforce with programs, presentations and children-focused activities, is that the path to freedom -- historically and in contemporary times -- is a constant struggle requiring courage, perseverance and cooperation among people of diverse backgrounds willing to help one another.
In addition to five major permanent exhibitions, we present a full calendar of changing exhibits, programs and activities throughout the year. Our Gift Shop offers a wide array of books, recordings and unique gift items. Our North Star Cafe, open for lunch on Tuesdays through Sunday, is a relaxing place for our guests to enjoy a delicious meal at a bargain price.
Watch Our Video
The Freedom Center's brief introductory video, "Impacting the Future," explains our mission, exhibits and programs and related offerings. The video features Chief Executive Officer Don Murphy, Board Co-Chairman John Pepper, as well as testimonials from visitors, students, and volunteers.
