Day 1: Monday August 3

The Ohio River Separates Cincinnati, Ohio from Covington, Kentucky

"At first I was disturbed at how wide and impossible crossing the Ohio River seemed. I was relieved to hear that sometimes it was shallow and muddy"

"I had tears in my eyes... just thinking about those who dared to take the journey in the years of enslavement; a journey that I now take, in comfort, on a bus."

Carnel House

Carnel House, Covington, Kentucky.

On a driving tour of Covington, we visit the Carnel House, built in 1813. Its basement was used to hide fugitive slaves. Building of the bridges across the Ohio River from Covington, Kentucky to Cincinnati, Ohio were delayed to prevent the enslaved from crossing the river to freedom on the other side. Candles in the windows of Ohio houses signaled "free" houses where fugitive slaves could seek food and shelter before continuing north along the Underground Railroad.

James Bradley Statue

Gloria Kenley sits beside a statue of James Bradley.

In 1835, James Bradley tenderly recalled his yearning for freedom when he wrote:

"From the time I was 14 years old, I used to think a great deal about freedom. It was my heart's desire; I could not keep it out of my mind. Many a sleepless night I have spent in tears, because I was a slave... My heart ached to feel within me the life of liberty."

This statue of James Bradley, both slave and freeman, symbolizes the Underground Railroad activity that is part of Covington's rich history. The bronze statue sits on a park bench overlooking the Ohio River.

"Stories like the Carnel House and James Bradley are new to me but it emphasizes the direction I would like to make with my students-that history is made by everyday people who have quiet determination and a belief that they are helping their fellow man. While we need to study the facts of history, we must be sure to connect the facts to the people so students can learn how people changed history."

The Library of Hamilton County, Cincinnati, Ohio

Hamilton County Librarian shares information with the group.

This library contains a wealth of information particularly on the history of the Underground Railroad. It contains an extensive archives which includes hundreds of genealogical resources. The group found lots of resources here to use in their classrooms.

To see a picture of the library and to access the library's website go to:
http://plch.lib.oh.us/main/index.html

"I was impressed with the genealogy section of the library and very excited to find my ancestors' names and parish."

Ruth Curry and Sylvia Martin-James doing research in the archives of the library.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Presentation

Donald Hudson, and his granddaughter!

Donald Hudson, a volunteer from the Underground Railroad Freedom Center, told us about plans to build the new Center. The Center will house Underground Railroad exhibits and will preserve historic artifacts and resources at its site along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati.

For more information on the Center and to link to many more Underground Railroad sites go to:
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Website

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Docent, Edith Cox, tells us about the life of Harriet Beecher Stowe.

"The Stowe house was a great introduction. It was wonderful to see such dedication to preserving the physical places of our heritage."

Harriet Beecher Stowe moved to Cincinnati from Connecticut in 1832 with her father, Dr. Lyman Beecher after he was appointed president of Lane Seminary. They moved into the house in 1833.

You can learn more about Stowe House at:
The Stowe House:
Presented by the Ohio Historical Society

Harriet Beecher Stowe
Presented by the Discovery Channel Online

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

"I am impressed and inspired by the courage and tenacity of the abolitionists. How awesome it is when people turn their backs on evil, in big ways, and in small ways. I believe that those who resist hatred and evil are the true heroes of each and every generation."

"The object of these sketches is to awaken sympathy and feeling for the African race, as they exist among us; to show their wrongs and sorrows, under a system so necessarily cruel and unjust as to defeat and do away the good effects of all that can be attempted for them, by their best friends under it."

Harriet Beecher Stowe
Author's preface from Uncle Tom's Cabin

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HOUSE, AND MUSEUM<>

We visited the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial in Dayton, Ohio. Dunbar was the son of emancipated slaves who grew up to be one of the most beloved and renowned African American Poets

Brief Biography of Paul Laurence Dunbar

"At the Dunbar House, I was astounded and felt very blessed to be there to feel the history and emotion there, and to see Mr. McRae's presentation to the society... I felt sad that Dunbar died so young, and wonder if there would have been more medical help for him had he been white."

Paul Laurence Dunbar's bedroom.

Mrs. Key takes on the role of Holly Quinn Brown and spins the tale of Paul Laurence Dunbar's life.

"I delighted in sharing the passion of people such as Mrs. Key and Mr. McRae. I was deeply touched and moved by the presentation of the plaques honoring Dunbar's father as a Civil War hero and by the poetry recitation."

"The final stop of Dunbar's house was a gem! The passion of Mrs. Key and her desire to communicate the story of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the knowledge she has, the presentation were above and beyond. I knew nothing of him - now I want to read his works and expose my students to him and his history."

"I was deeply touched by the beauty of Paul Laurence Dunbar's words. I was saddened that his brilliance has not yet been fully recognized by many."

"The presentation was so moving for me. I used to memorize and read from his poems in my class. I didn't know that much about his life until today."

Mr. McRae shares information about Paul Laurence Dunbar's life with the group.

Reflections:

"Today I experienced a range of emotions and gained a clearer perspective on history related to the Underground Railroad. On the surface it is oftentimes made into a story of good versus evil. It is far more complex than that. It is about overcoming adversity, unselfishness and compassion toward others."