The Freedom Center

The Freedom Center and The Cincinnati Skyline

From across the Ohio River in Covington, KY, the Freedom Center welcomes visitors crossing the Roebling Suspension Bridge to Cincinnati, OH. Thousands of slaves crossed the Ohio River to Cincinnati making their way to freedom during the Underground Railroad Era.

The Freedom Center Logo

Boeing Flight to Freedom Theater: "Brothers of the Borderland" Film

A unique "environmental theater" experience where visitors follow the courageous actions of Underground Railroad conductors John Parker and Rev. John Rankin of Ripley, OH.

ESCAPE! Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad

This exhibit is our family-friendly, interactive introduction to Underground Railroad stories of courage, cooperation, and perseverance.

Everyday Freedom Heroes Exhibit

This exhibit is a multimedia-driven hall filled with Everyday Freedom Heroes connecting the past with the present. Visitors learn how their ideals have helped change the world as they view audiovisual portraits of 100 children and adults whose actions have protected and extended freedom regionally, nationally, and internationally.

From Slavery to Freedom

In the largest and most traditional exhibit space, visitors explore the Middle Passage, the institution of slavery, the rise of abolitionism and Underground Railroad, and the Civil War.

Harriet Tubman Theater: Suite for Freedom Film

Visitors begin their experience with three inspiring animated stories about freedom and "UnFreedom," slavery and the Underground Railroad. A star-field lights the sky above the theater as it did on the morning President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Inside the Slave Pen

A close up view inside the Slave Pen of a metal ring.

Reflect, Respond, Resolve: The Concluding Experience

Visitors to the Freedom Center have a safe place to consider, interact, and join facilitated dialogue to conclude their visit. There are also interactive videos where visitors are challenged to see where they stand on social issues, decide what they would do to resolve conflict in certain situations, and sign up to be part of organizations that help continue the struggle against "UnFreedom."

Slave Pen - Original Location

This photo was taken during the deconstruction of the Slave Pen.

The Slave Pen Exhibit

The largest artifact of the Freedom Center is an authentic Slave Pen. Visitors listen to Carl B. Westmoreland, Curator of the Slave Pen & Senior Advisor for Historical Preservation, tell the story of this significant artifact.

The Struggle Continues

Demonstrating the modern struggles that still exist in the world, visitors view images of "UnFreedom" and learn about contemporary slavery, genocide, tyranny, racism, and hunger.

CEO: Don Murphy

Senior Advisor: Mr. Carl Westmoreland