Feb 19 - The Underground Railroad & Abolitionists of Northern Ohio (Bicentennial Speaker Series at LCHS)

Ohio was a significant part of the network of safe houses and hiding places that became known as the Underground Railroad. Lorain County, in particular, was important for a number of reasons. 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. Learn about the historic decisions that shaped Oberlin’s growth as a station and highlight the individuals and events that marked Oberlin as one of the most active stations of the Underground Railroad. Stories will 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. Stephanie Bohnak, the Museum Education & Tour Manager at the Oberlin Heritage Center, will give this illustrated program via zoom on Sunday, February 19 at 3:00 PM.

The program is free but registration (click here to access the registration page through the Lorain County Historical Society's events page) is required. This event is presented by OHC as part of LCHS’s monthly speaker series to commemorate Lorain County’s Bicentennial.