School Tours of the Freedom Center
We offer five age-appropriate tours, each of which provides an interactive learning opportunity that encourages teamwork, observation, critical thinking, experiential learning and open dialogue.
School Tour Hours:10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am - tours last 2 hours
Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mondays except February (Black History Month)
Reservations: 513.333.7737
Available Tours
- Journey to Freedom (Grades K-2)
The Journey to Freedom tour is designed for kindergarten through second grade students to demonstrate that people can choose to COOPERATE. They will explore historical examples of cooperation in the Escape Gallery. A professional storyteller will discuss the value of PERSEVERANCE. Students will use the rubbing tables, choosing words and symbols that reinforce the themes. Finally, the children will integrate the past with the present by examining the creative way that the artist, Aminah Robinson, told the story of her life while comparing the ways people played in the past with today's forms of play.
- The North Star (Grades 3-4)
The North Star tour, which is designed for third and fourth grade students, will take them on a journey back in time to the Underground Railroad. They will see how the North Star assisted the Freedom Seekers on their journey to freedom in the North. They will visit an authentic, nineteenth century slave pen which once held enslaved people before they were sold into the Deep South. They will experience the Escape Gallery where they will actively learn about the abolitionists and conductors of the Underground Railroad through the use of many hands-on activities.
- Early American Geography, Economics, & Slavery (Grades 5-8)
The Early America: Geography, Economics and Slavery tour is designed for fifth through eighth graders. This guided tour takes an in-depth look at the economic impact of slavery in the United States, as well as examines the geographical effects of both the transatlantic and internal slave trades. Hands-on and interactive learning experiences enhance this standards-based tour.
- The Coming of the Civil War (Grades 5-8)
This tour will explore the coming of the Civil War from the Westward Expansion / antebellum years to the end of Reconstruction. The Civil War tour meets Ohio history standards and benchmarks for grades 5 and 8. Students will experience a deep immersion in the "From Slavery to Freedom" gallery and learn about the Emancipation Proclamation, and other literary and historic references. Students will handle reproductions of primary documents such as letters and copies of Harpers Weekly. The tour introduces special Civil War presenters and re-enactors. Students will participate in a Civil War dialogue at the end of the tour.
- Resistance: Unfreedoms, Past & Present (Grades 9-12)
The Resistance: Unfreedoms, Past and Present tour is designed to meet eighth through twelfth grade standards. It incorporates World History, Geography, and American History to tell the story of global slavery. Students learn about the Abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad, and how these examples of activism were used to end slavery in the United States. These stories of the past serve as the springboard for exploring contemporary issues of "Unfreedom" and suggests ways in which students can take an active role in saying no to racism and helping others. The tour uses in-gallery questions and handouts.
Scheduling a School Group Visit
Reservations will be accepted up to two weeks prior to your visit. However, we recommend scheduling your trip at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. School group tours consist of 10 or more students (25 in May).
Steps to scheduling your visit:
- Choose a tour that fits your grade level
- Complete and submit an application:
- Print out, complete, and mail or fax in the School Visit Application.
- Or register by phone: 513.333.7737.
- A confirmation letter will be sent after payment has been received. Directions and parking information will be included
- Arrive and present your confirmation letter and pre-registration form
- Enjoy your Journey
School Group Guideline Reminder
- Please arrive 15-minutes prior to your scheduled tour and/or visit for check in and orientation. Students must remain on the bus until the group coordinator has registered at the front desk.
- One complimentary chaperone ticket is allowed for every ten student tickets purchased. The fee for adults over the 10:1 ratio is $9.00 per ticket. Chaperones must remain with their group throughout the visit. Chaperones are required to manage their groups. The Freedom Center reserves the right to remove any unruly groups.
- Flash and video photography is prohibited within the Freedom Center.
- Groups can not use the audio head sets.
- The Freedom Center no longer has available storage for backpacks, phones, coats, and sack lunches. These items must remain on the buses. The Freedom Center is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
- Due to capacity restraints, the Freedom Center does not provide accommodations for eating sack lunches inside the building. Groups may eat off sight or outdoors before or after their tour.
- Buses may drop off visitors at the 2nd Street/group entrance of the building but are then asked to seek off-site parking. There is a $20.00 cash parking fee for each bus. This fee is not associated with the Freedom Center. Payment should be made directly to Central Riverfront Parking (513.946.8100) on the day of your visit.
Ticket prices valid until December 31st, 2010.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's Schooled on Freedom program is generously funded by: the Woodward Trust, The Ohio Lottery, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Target and the Charles H. Dater Foundation.
The Schooled on Freedom program has been providing free admission and transportation, as well as teacher workshops, classroom lesson plans, and educational summer camps, for area school children since 2005. To find out more, or to speak to someone about how you can participate, contact us today.
