Spring Hill Hosts 20th Annual Underground Railroad Experience: The Life and Lineage of the Forebears for Freedom

Massillon, OH – Spring Hill Historic Home and Underground Railroad Site invites the community to the 20th Annual Underground Railroad Experience on Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. This annual program engages visitors in Massillon’s African American and Underground Railroad history of the early 1820s, bringing stories of courage and resilience to life.

The day features four immersive performances of the award-winning play, One Stop on the Road to Freedom, inspired by local historical figures and freedom seeker narratives. Each 40-minute performance travels across Spring Hill’s historic grounds, creating a powerful, interactive experience.

A special accessibility performance at 12:45 p.m. offers seated viewing with ASL interpretation and closed captioning, ensuring guests with mobility or hearing challenges can fully participate. These services will also be available during the 3:00 p.m. Ancestor Tree Dedication and Proclamation Ceremony, led by Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz and members of Spring Hill.

Additional attractions throughout the day include:

• Djapo Cultural Arts Institute – African drum making and drumming circle
• Luvih Yoga Studio – Reflection through movement sessions
• Dr. Tameka Ellington, Stark County Black History Museum Curator – West African fabric craft
• Forebears to Freedom Exhibit – Abolitionist movement in the Kendal/Massillon community
• On the Run – A choose-your-own-path interactive game
• Food Trucks – Featuring authentic soul food
• Community Partner Info Booths – Arts and Culture Institutes of Stark County

Guests may also enjoy open-house tours of Spring Hill’s 1821 farmhouse throughout the day (please note: the house will be closed during the 12:45 p.m. accessibility performance).

Tickets: Tickets are sold by performance times through Eventbrite, with an exclusive ticket option available for the Ancestor Tree Dedication and Proclamation Ceremony at 3:00 p.m. Adults – $15, Students (7-17) – $10, Children (6 and under) – Free

“We are proud to mark the 20th year of the Underground Railroad Experience,” said Kathleen Bachtel, Director of Spring Hill. “This program not only preserves our community’s history but also creates meaningful opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and connection.”

This event is presented with support from MCTV, Fraternal Order of Eagles #190, Koby Electric, Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home, Bates Printing, and Buehler’s Fresh Foods

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About Spring Hill Historic Home & Underground Railroad Site

Spring Hill is a privately funded non-profit 501(c)3 located in Massillon, Ohio, and is recognized as a site on the Underground Railroad by the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and Ohio Friends of Freedom Society. The farm house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Spring Hill’s mission is to preserve unimpaired for future generations the house, buildings, and grounds known as Spring Hill; to interpret Spring Hill and the families who lived there in light of their historical importance; and to maintain Spring Hill as a historic site open to the public. For more information, visit SpringHillHistoricHome.org