National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati (must see)
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum that covers the origins and history of the underground railroad. It is located near the banks of the Ohio River as many enslaved people found their freedom by crossing the river and seeking refuge in Cincinnati.
Construction of the museum began in 2002. Groundbreaking ceremonies were attended by Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali and First Lady Michelle Obama. It was designed by Boora Architects with a travertine stone and copper facade.
Among the exhibits in the museum is an 1830 slave pen. This is the only known surviving slave pen, which was a building used to hold enslaved people before they were auctioned. The pen is a primary feature and constant reminder of the horror of slavery.
Other features in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center include exhibits of slavery and the civil war, films detailing the experiences and history of the underground railroad and an interactive exhibit that encourages young visitors to imagine the choices that were needed to escape slavery in the southern United States.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center encourages patrons to understand their past as well as their future. The museum has a genealogy center that encourages individuals to find family members who may have been a part of the Underground Railroad. A feature called "The Struggle Continues" reminds visitors that African Americans continue to face racial injustice to this day.
Visitors should plan to spend several hours at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in order to see and understand each of the displays. Even young children are affected by the importance of the Underground Railroad.
Why You Should Visit:
- To learn about the history of the Underground Railroad
- To see the only known surviving slave jail
- To learn how to continue fighting for racial equality
Construction of the museum began in 2002. Groundbreaking ceremonies were attended by Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali and First Lady Michelle Obama. It was designed by Boora Architects with a travertine stone and copper facade.
Among the exhibits in the museum is an 1830 slave pen. This is the only known surviving slave pen, which was a building used to hold enslaved people before they were auctioned. The pen is a primary feature and constant reminder of the horror of slavery.
Other features in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center include exhibits of slavery and the civil war, films detailing the experiences and history of the underground railroad and an interactive exhibit that encourages young visitors to imagine the choices that were needed to escape slavery in the southern United States.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center encourages patrons to understand their past as well as their future. The museum has a genealogy center that encourages individuals to find family members who may have been a part of the Underground Railroad. A feature called "The Struggle Continues" reminds visitors that African Americans continue to face racial injustice to this day.
Visitors should plan to spend several hours at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in order to see and understand each of the displays. Even young children are affected by the importance of the Underground Railroad.
Why You Should Visit:
- To learn about the history of the Underground Railroad
- To see the only known surviving slave jail
- To learn how to continue fighting for racial equality
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cincinnati. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Map
Sight Name: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cincinnati, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cincinnati
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cincinnati is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cincinnati's Historical Buildings
A place where remarkable landmarks, river views and rolling hills are all part of the cityscape, Cincinnati, OH is a home to one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. German homes, French cathedrals and splendid 19th-century mansions are found here in abundance. The list of architectural styles present in the city is truly impressive and includes Greek-,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Cincinnati Introduction Walking Tour
Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio鈥攁 place that blends historical richness with the vibrancy of cultural attractions!
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Eden Park Walking Tour
Eden Park is undoubtedly the most popular park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This large outdoor area blends culture, history, and architecture in one stunning location. The park spans across lush greenery and scenic spots, making it a beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike. Apart from offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban bustle, Eden Park is also home to a number of famous city landmarks.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Over-the-Rhine District Walking Tour
The historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is one of the largest districts in the U.S. recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Its name comes from the predominantly German immigrants who developed the area in the mid-19th century and had to commute across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal (nicknamed "the Rhine" in reference to the river in Germany) which separated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles