To celebrate International Underground Railroad Month, the Kelton House Museum and Garden, in association with Ohio Open Doors, invites you to a special screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary, “A Higher Law: The Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of 1858.” Set against the backdrop of the historic Kelton House—a 19th-century mansion known for its Greek Revival architecture and its role as a stop on the Underground Railroad—this event offers a profound connection to Ohio’s abolitionist history.

Film Synopsis:

• Runtime: 1 hour 26 minutes
• The documentary explores the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of 1858, a significant event where 37 men, both black and white, were prosecuted for defying the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. This case is historically important as it marked the first use of the ‘higher law’ defense in a federal court, challenging the legality of slavery and contributing to the mounting tensions that led to the Civil War.

Join us for an evening where history is brought to life within the walls of the Kelton House and support the ongoing efforts in historic preservation as we honor those who fought for freedom and justice.