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Experience History Where it Happened
In the years leading up to the American Civil War, the United States was a “house divided” by the contentious issue of slavery. Choosing freedom over oppression, thousands of enslaved men and women escaped northward along secret routes that came to be called the “Underground Railroad.” Many of these routes were in Ohio, where anti-slavery abolitionists hid escaping slaves and helped them reach freedom.
Ohio’s Underground Railroad history has become the stuff of legend, filled with inspiring narratives and dramatic accounts of people overcoming harsh conditions and constant danger to free themselves from the shackles of slavery.
This dramatic story lives on today in Passage to Freedom, Ohio’s exciting new heritage and multi-cultural tourism program for people who want to experience history where it happened.
The Website
Passage to Freedom is anchored in a new website, www.passagetofreedomohio.org. There, visitors can access detailed information about Ohio’s many Underground Railroad sites and plan trips using downloadable maps with details listing nearby attractions, restaurants, lodging choices and regional points of interest.
Additional features of the website:
- Search features showing tourist attractions, cultural institutions or parks and campgrounds within 75 – 100 miles of Underground Railroad sites;
- An optional email newsletter with a regularly updated calendar of events around Ohio;
- Downloadable coupons with bonus savings by restaurants, hotels and motels and travel destinations;
- Links to websites of Underground Railroad sites nationally
Interactive Kiosks
Using interactive kiosks at selected Ohio Underground Railroad sites, visitors can access detailed information about the site and its history using touch screen interfaces, simple navigation and focused content. Customized maps printed from the kiosk will enable travelers to seek out interesting, yet often overlooked regional attractions, as well as nearby restaurants, hotel accommodations, churches and other essential information.
Each Passage to Freedom kiosk will be linked to the anchor website and constantly updated with the latest information about local and regional events, such as fairs, arts and cultural festivities and children’s activities. The kiosks will also offer details about other Underground Railroad locations within easy driving distance and around the state.
Passage to Freedom was created by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in partnership with the Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism. Support was also provided by the American Express Company.
About the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Located on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, the Freedom Center uses a wide array of exhibits and programs to educate the public about the historic and continuing struggle to establish universal freedom in both the U.S. and around the world. For additional information, visit www.freedomcenter.org.
About the Ohio Tourism Division
As part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division’s mission is to enhance Ohio’s economy by marketing the state’s unique travel and tourism opportunities and quality of life attributes. The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers interested in engaging in Ohio’s vibrant tourism experiences. With an emphasis on family travel and multicultural experiences, Ohio offers travelers the ability to experience, first hand, the accomplishments of Ohioans who shaped and revolutionized the United States. From heroic Underground Railroad conductors to pioneers of aviation and space and ancient American Indian mounds to homes of U.S. Presidents, Ohio offers a wealth of sites that bring the stories of history and monumental achievements of Ohioans to life. Ohio travel information and publications are available online from www.DiscoverOhio.com or by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE.
About American Express
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. American Express Philanthropy makes grants in three major program areas: Cultural Heritage, Economic Independence and Community Service.
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