Senior Historian
Our physical location in downtown Cincinnati is just a few steps from the banks of the Ohio River, the great natural barrier that separated the slave states of the South from the free states of the North. Since opening in 2004, we have filled a substantial void in our nation’s cultural heritage. Rooted in the stories of the Underground Railroad, we illuminate the true meaning of inclusive freedom by presenting permanent and special exhibits that inspire, public programming that provoke dialogue and action, and educational resources that equip modern abolitionists.
1994
The concept of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center first proposed.
2002
14,000 attend groundbreaking.
2004
20,000 attend opening celebration.
2005
280,000 attend in first year from all 50 states and 35 countries.
2008
Two National Endowment for Humanities grants awarded.
2012
Merger with Cincinnati Museum Center.
2012-13
Fiscal year closes with balanced budget.
2019
Celebrated 15-year anniversary.
2020
Woodrow Keown, Jr. named President and Chief Operating Officer
Mission
To pursue inclusive freedom by promoting social justice for all, building on the principles of the Underground Railroad.
Vision
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is the preeminent cultural learning center for inclusive freedom - locally, nationally and globally.
What does it take to make the ultimate sacrifice? In the first episode of the Black Is America podcast, we learn the story of Lt. John Fox. From very humble beginnings in the Cincinnati area to courageous actions in the …