Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable
contrast.
Register 74 Seats Remaining
The Oberlin Heritage Center will present an illustrated program about the historic decisions that shaped Oberlin's growth as one of the most active stations of the Underground Railroad.
Prior to the Civil War, as many as 3,000 African Americans passed through or lived in Oberlin
after escaping from slavery. The town was once said to be second only to Canada as an asylum
for freedom seekers. The Oberlin Heritage Center will present an illustrated program about the
historic decisions that shaped Oberlin’s growth as a station and highlight the individuals and
events that marked Oberlin as one of the most active stations of the Underground
Railroad.
Stories will include Oberlin College’s acceptance of African American students, the
famous ship Amistad and a former slave and student, men who volunteered for John Brown’s
violent raid on Harper’s Ferry, and local efforts to thwart slave catchers.
Generously sponsored by The Friends of the North Olmsted Library. Seeking new members, volunteers, and Executive Board Members! Click here to find them on Facebook!
In 1829, Charles Hyde Olmsted promised to donate 500 books from his father’s collection if the residents agreed to change the name of their town from Lenox to Olmsted. They did and the books traveled by oxcart and were housed in individual residents’ homes while being circulated. The “Oxcart Library” is thought to be the first circulating public library in the Western Reserve.
This branch is a Student Success Center and a Greater Cleveland Food Bank Kids Café location.