CLEVELAND, Ohio — America 250-Ohio will host its third annual Underground Railroad Gathering Sept. 27-28 at the Cleveland History Center as part of International Underground Railroad Month.
The free, two-day event will bring together historians, educators, community members, descendants and cultural organizations to explore Ohio’s Underground Railroad history and the legacy of Black communities established throughout the state.
The gathering will be held at the Cleveland History Center, located at 10825 East Boulevard. Registration is required, and organizers say space is limited.
This year’s event will focus on the history, legacy and future of Black settlements in Ohio, including communities established by African Americans seeking freedom, opportunity and self-determination.
Programming will include storytelling, community mapping and genealogical research. Organizers also will examine ways to preserve the histories of communities and settlements that no longer exist while helping participants research and share their own family and community histories.
” This gathering is one of the most meaningful ways we mark International Underground Railroad Month and honor Ohio’s central role in the story of freedom,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “Cleveland’s history as a critical crossing point on the journey to freedom makes it a powerful setting for this year’s conversations.”
During the antebellum period, Cleveland was known by the Underground Railroad code name “Hope.” The city served as an important stopping point for freedom seekers who traveled across Lake Erie by boat toward Canada.
Ohio has a significant place in Underground Railroad history. According to America 250-Ohio, the state has more officially recognized Underground Railroad sites in the National Park Service’s National Network to Freedom than any other state.
Historians estimate that approximately 40% of enslaved people who escaped through the Underground Railroad passed through Ohio while making their way to freedom.
The Cleveland gathering will connect that history with present-day efforts to preserve and share it, bringing together descendants, historic-site operators, educators and community members from across Ohio.
Ohio REALTORS® is serving as the presenting sponsor, allowing admission to the gathering to remain free.
“Ohio REALTORS® is proud to help make this gathering free and open to everyone who wants to learn more about the Underground Railroad’s legacy in our state,” said Mic Gordon, Ohio REALTORS® 2026 president. “Preserving these stories and the places connected to them matters to the communities we serve across Ohio.”
Registration and additional information about the Underground Railroad Gathering are available through America 250-Ohio’s website.
America 250-Ohio is also highlighting programs and activities taking place across the state as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary observance.
