Summer 2023 History Walks

Welcome to OHC's 2023 History Walk schedule!

OHC will be mixing things up with a uniquely-themed history walk each month, June through August.

All history walks will be scheduled on Saturdays at 11:00am, unless noted otherwise.

History walks start at various locations around town, so please check our website or ask for more details when you register.

Please note that because history walks take place outdoors, with little or no indoor stops, they may be canceled if there is inclement weather at the tour start time. Registrants will be refunded their tour fees in the event of a canceled history walk.

Advance registration is recommended as there is limited capacity for each tour. Participants can register online or by calling 440-774-1700.

History Walk Fees: $6/adult; children/students/members: Free.

Please keep an eye on our website as additional history walks are scheduled throughout the season.

 

Current & Upcoming History Walks

Freedom's Friends: Abolition & the Underground Railroad History Walk

Prior to the Civil War, as many as 3,000 African Americans passed through or lived in Oberlin after escaping from slavery. The town was said to be second only to Canada as an asylum for freedom seekers. Guests on this history walk are guided by a docent from the Oberlin Heritage Center who discusses the historic decisions that shaped Oberlin’s growth as a station on the Underground Railroad and the individuals and events that marked Oberlin as one of the most active stations. Hear stories about Oberlin’s most famous freedom seekers and people known to have helped them make their way to freedom on this 90-minute neighborhood walking tour.

Click on a date to register: June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24

Tour meets on the front steps of First Church at the corner of Main St. (Rt. 58) and Lorain St. (Rt. 511)

 

Architecture History Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll on this 1 hour-long tour which explores Oberlin’s architecture with a focus on such individuals as Walter Blythe, Cass Gilbert, and Minoru Yamasaki. This walk provides an opportunity to view an array of historic buildings that feature various styles including Gothic Modernist, Neo-Classical Revival, Romanesque, Late Victorian, and Queen Anne Revival.

Click on a date to register: July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29

Tour meets at the flagpoles in the SE Corner of Tappan Square; intersection of Main St. (Rt. 58) and College Street. 

 

Civil War to Civil Rights History Walk

This 90-minute 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 Harpers 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.

Click on a date to register: August 5, August 12, August 19, August 26

Tour meets on the front steps of First Church at the corner of Main St. (Rt. 58) and Lorain St. (Rt. 511)

 

Small Downtown, Big Stories History Walk

The people and places of downtown Oberlin have come and gone.  The history is rich with stories of generational commitment to serving the community. This tour draws on oral histories of those who lived through shaping and preserving the “small town-ness” that is such a part of Oberlin’s charm.  Learn the history of some of the buildings, but mostly learn of the people who once walked these streets and called Oberlin home.

Tour begins in front of the Oberlin Post Office building on Main St. 

During special events and by group reservation April - October.

For reservation requests, please contact the Museum Education and Tour Manager, Stephanie Bohnak