Summer-Fall History Walks

Update 9/9/2020

At this time, all history walks through the end of September are at filled capacity. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for any remaining fall history walks, please call us at 440-774-1700 or email the Museum Education & Tour Coordinator with your name, phone number, number of individuals in your group, and date of the tour you would like to attend.

Due to demand, we are now offering a slate of history walks through the end of October, weather permitting. Please see below for the schedule of history walks or visit our Event Calendar for more information and availability. Since we are only allowing for one family/familiar group per tour and reservations are required, we recommend early registration to better ensure a spot. 

 

***COVID-19 OPERATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT***

Due to current COVID-19 Pandemic, all outdoor history walks will be operated under new safety guidelines. Visitors wishing to attend a history walk are required to reserve and pay for their spaces in advance by registering online or calling the museum at 440-774-1700. Tours will not venture indoors and will be limited to 9 participants of one family/familiar group. Docents and visitors are required to wear masks.

We at the Oberlin Heritage Center appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our new guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Museum Education & Tour Coordinator at 440-774-1700 or by email

 

Freedom’s Friends: Underground Railroad & Abolitionist History Walk

Prior to the Civil War, as many as 3,000 African Americans passed through or lived in Oberlin after escaping from slavery. Learn about Oberlin’s famous freedom seekers and those known to have helped them make their way to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

This History Walk will take place every Saturday (except for July 4) at 11:00 a.m. in June through October. The Freedom's Friends History Walk begins in front of the First Church of Oberlin.

Click on a date below to make your reservation on-line

June July August September October
6/6 7/4 8/1 - FILLED 9/5 - FILLED 10/3
6/13 7/11 8/8 - FILLED 9/12 - FILLED 10/10 - FILLED
6/20 7/18 8/15 - FILLED 9/19  - FILLED 10/17
6/27 7/25 - FILLED 8/22 - FILLED 9/26 - FILLED 10/24
    8/29 - FILLED   10/31

 

Oberlin’s Responses and Reactions to Issues of Race History Walk

This tour highlights historic events that reveal both Oberlin's progress and setbacks in race relations dating from early Oberlin all the way up to the 21st Century. Learn how Oberlin was a leader in abolition, participating heavily in events such as the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue, the Raid on Harper's Ferry, and the American Civil War, but also struggled with its own issues of equality and racism during these early years and later through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, and today. 

This history walk will take place at 3:00pm on Saturday, July 11, Saturday, August 8, and Saturday, September 12. The walk begins in front of the First Church of Oberlin.

Click on a date below to make your reservation on-line.

7/11/2020

8/8/2020 - FILLED

9/12/2020 - FILLED

 

Architecture Walk

Find out how the landscape, college campus, and town developed over its 180+ years on this 60-minute walking tour of Oberlin. Learn which architectural styles prevailed, which were criticized by the community, and how several renowned architects came to work in Oberlin. For some visitors, it will be a trip down memory lane!

The Architecture Walk will take place at 3:00pm on Saturday, July 25, Saturday, August 22, and Saturday, September 26. The walk begins at the Flagpole on Tappan Square at the intersection of Main and College Sts. in Downtown Oberlin.

Click on a date below to make your reservation on-line.

7/25/2020 - FILLED

8/22/2020 - FILLED

9/26/2020 - FILLED