Slavery, illegal in Ohio due to the Northwest Ordinance, is openly practiced throughout the South. The full story is more complex: There are the Ohio Black Codes, Joshua McCarter Simpson and a network of conductors and connectors, all rolled into one state. What do these different elements have to do with the history of the Underground Railroad here in Ohio, and how do they work together? There’s only one way to find out. Come and experience a story of heroes, agency, complicated humanity, and everything in between at The Ohio Underground Railroad. Offered on select dates in March and April, 2025.
Aligned to Ohio’s New Learning Standards for Social Studies
Grade: 4 - 8
Aligned to Ohio’s New Learning Standards for English Language Arts
CCR Anchor Standard for Speaking and Listening: 2, 3, 4
Please note: Due to construction and infrastructure improvements in Ohio Village, The Ohio Underground Railroad will take place in the Ohio History Center museum in 2025. Our program maintains its strong focus on student interactions with authentic characters and stories, connections and critical thinking. The Ohio Underground Railroad meets Ohio Learning Standards for 4th grade.
How do we know what we know about history? Students will analyze how we interpret historical events through a series of discussion-based and hands-on activities spanning the breadth of human history. Do you have a specific topic of interest? Let us know! We might be able to tailor the activities according to your needs. By request pending staff availability. This program is not available March-May.
Aligned to Ohio’s New Learning Standards for Social Studies Content Statements
Modern World History: 13
Aligned to Ohio’s Social and Emotional Learning Standards Content Statements
C1. 2.d, C3. 1.d, C4. 3.d, D3. 1.d
This program is tailored for students in grades 11 & 12, as well as International Baccalaureate (I.B.) students taking the Theory of Knowledge course.
Using material from the Ohio History Center Archives/Library, students will dig deeper and use a variety of primary sources and secondary sources to investigate topics related to this year’s History Day theme, Rights and Responsibilities in History. Topics may include the Ohio Statehood, Women's Suffrage and the Cuyahoga River Fire of 1969.
Your first task as a History Detective is to think carefully about what "right” and "responsibility" really mean. Consider how rights and responsibilities influence one another. As you look at the sources, use your detective skills to answer questions like: What right do I see? What responsibility do I see? How to they relate to one another? What impact do they have on history?
Aligned to Ohio’s New Learning Standards for Social Studies Content Statements
Grade 6: 9
Grade 7: 16
Grade 8: 1
American History: 1, 2
Aligned to Ohio’s New Learning Standards for English Language Arts Content Statements
Grade 6: RL.6.1, W.6.8, W.6.9
Grade 7: RL.7.1, W.7.8, W.7.9
Grade 8: RL.8.1, W.8.8, W.8.9
Grades 9-10: RL.9-10.1, W.9-10.8, W.9-10.9
Grades 11-12: RL.11-12.1, W.11-12.8, W.11-12.9
Aligned to Ohio’s Social and Emotional Learning Standards Content Statements
A4, D1, E4