August - September - Freedom's Friends History Walk every Saturday

Freedom's Friends History Walk. Every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. August-September.

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 once said to be second only to Canada as an asylum for freedom seekers. This guided neighborhood history walk is about the historic decisions that shaped Oberlin's growth as a station and highlights the individuals and events that marked Oberlin as one of the most active stations of the Underground Railroad. Stories include Oberlin College's acceptance of African American students, the famous ship Amistad, men who volunteered for John Brown's violent raid on Harper's Ferry and local efforts to thwart slave catchers. The tour begins at the front steps of First Church, U.C.C. at the northwest corner of Main and Lorain Streets.

Guided History Walks are offered each Saturday at 11:00 a.m. from June through October. Tickets must be purchased through the website calendar or at the Monroe House's Museum Store; tickets are not available at the starting point of the tour. $6 per adult, with $1 discount for OHC members and for college/university students with a current ID; free for children less than 18 years (most likely to be enjoyed by children 9 years of age and up). This walk is approximately 75 minutes. History walks may be cancelled and fees refunded if fewer than 5 people pre-register or if it is raining at the tour start time.