By TourismOhio
Posted On: Jun 8, 2020
Ohio is rich with history. It was the first free state formed from the Northwest Territory and home to the first private historically black college or university (HBCU), Wilberforce University. It’s also the birthplace of presidents, astronauts, inventors and writers. Many of these Ohio heroes were African Americans who fought tirelessly for equity and justice. From historic homes to museums, there’s lots to see throughout the state. Often these museums are operated by volunteers, so you’ll want to call before you visit.
The Kings Art Complex in Columbus
The Martin Luther King Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex connects the community through the arts. The Elijah Pierce Gallery presents a wide range of historical and contemporary exhibitions that include painting, sculpture, graphics, photography, and decorative arts. The main gallery is named in honor of the late Elijah Pierce, America’s foremost wood carver of 20th century folk art. They also offer an award-winning youth arts program and was named “Best Community Art Center” by Columbus Parent Magazine. Check out their website for virtual discussions, virtual exhibitions and online classes, like First Tuesday Tea.
Ohio History Connection in Columbus
The Ohio History Connection has several online and hands-on experiences and resources on their website regarding African American History, as well as resources on the black individuals who have profoundly impacted sports, the Civil War and the women’s suffrage movement.
Riffe Gallery in Columbus
Located in the Verne Riffe Center first floor lobby downtown but currently only available for virtual exploration, the gallery focuses on showcasing Ohio artists. This year, in connection with Ohio History Connection’s National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center, it’ll showcase 12 Ohio visual artists. The artwork is a selection from living Ohio artists represented in the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center’s permanent art collection.
National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce
The National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center (NAAMCC), which is part of the Ohio History Connection’s historic site system, is the home of one of the nation’s largest African American archives and collections. Items include Alex Haley’s final draft of Roots, Alphonso Woodall’s Carnegie Hero Medal, and an unparalleled collection of works from the Black Arts Movement. While currently closed due to COVID-19, you can find many virtual experiences on their Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Wilberforce
The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is less than two miles from NAAMCC, and it’s a National Park Service site. Colonel Charles Young was the third African American to graduate from West Point and the first to become a national park superintendent, a military attaché, and a colonel, making him the highest-ranking Black officer in the U.S. Army until his death in 1922. His legacy lives on today at this national monument. The site has temporarily ceased operations, but you can learn all about the soldier, from his early life to final resting place on their website.
The Funk Music Hall of Fame & Exhibition Center in Dayton
Dayton was dubbed the “Land of Funk,” for a reason. This new museum preserves the legend of funk music in the Gem City through a collection of memorabilia and interactive activities.
Paul Laurence Dunbar House in Dayton
Learn about the life of internationally-acclaimed poet Paul Laurence Dunbar at his house in Dayton. Dunbar gained worldwide fame for his poetry, stories and plays in the early 20th century and was a voice for equality. In 1936, the Ohio General Assembly dedicated the house as the very first state memorial honoring African-American history. While waiting for the museum to reopen, explore the digital archives here.
Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is celebrating extraordinary African American individuals this season. “Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta’ The Underground” is on tour from January 4 to June 25. Additionally, “Martin’s Dream,” which tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King will be touring January 11 to February 26. Check out the theater’s activities, full shows and clips here.
John Rankin House in Ripley
Explore Ohio’s connection to the Underground Railroad at the newly-restored John Rankin House in Ripley. The Rev. John Rankin was an ardent abolitionist who assisted the enslaved on their paths to freedom. Although currently closed, after reopening you can step inside one of the best-documented and most active Underground Railroad “stations” in Ohio.
John Parker House in Ripley
The John Parker House is the former home of African-American abolitionist John Parker. He escaped slavery to become a successful inventor and businessman in Ripley before the Civil War. Parker is credited with assisting hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through this Front Street home.
John Mercer Langston Historic House in Oberlin
A National Historic Landmark in Oberlin, this was the home to John Mercer Langston, an attorney, abolitionist, diplomat, U.S. Congressman and college president. As the town clerk in Oberlin, Langston was one of the first African-Americans elected to public office in the United States.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati
Discover the the place where this famous author spent her formative years. Stowe was an abolitionist and women’s rights advocate and wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the popular 19th century novel credited with laying the groundwork for the Civil War.
Elizabeth Harvey First Free Black School
Visit the one room schoolhouse, and now museum, built specifically to educate non-whites in Warren County. The Elizabeth Harvey Free Black School, built in 1831 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, still stands on its original location. The school remained in operation until the early 1900s, and one of the students from this school, Orindatus S.B. Wall, became the first African American captain in the U.S. Army and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center immerses visitors into the stories of the Underground Railroad. The mission of the museum is to reveal stories of heroes from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, challenging and inspiring us to fight for human rights today. Check out their multiple online activities, lessons, exhibits and more here.
This is just a small sampling of the many Black historic and cultural institutions within a few hours of where you live. There are African-American art museums, galleries and community centers on college and university campuses as well. Learn more about the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans—known and unknown—around Ohio.
For more Ohio history, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
