FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE:
SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or-
CATHERINE POMIECKO - 216-635-3275
Underground Railroad stops existed throughout
Northeast Ohio to provide runaway slaves with safe places to hide
on their way to Canada. Although slavery was illegal in Ohio, some
people still opposed the ending of slavery, and the journey to
freedom was risky. By 1810, people here in
Northeast Ohio began to help runaway slaves gain their true
freedom.
Visitors to Cleveland Metroparks can actively
participate in this heart-wrenching experience of escaping on the
Underground Railroad in two programs this fall. The emotional hush
that the runaway slaves experienced while traveling unfamiliar
lands on dark, fall evenings, the degradation of being sold as
chattel by lantern light, and the hopes of reaching the Promised
Land are emotions that cannot be experienced through history
books.
Two "Escape on the Underground
Railroad" programs for the public are on Saturdays, October 2
and 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in Bedford Reservation.
Participants will experience history through live
interaction with costumed staff and volunteers, demonstrating the
frightening journey a runaway slave passing through the area would
have gone through.
The "Escape on the Underground Railroad" program won
the National Association for Interpretation's Region Four
"Program of the Year" award in 1998, and the Friends of
Freedom Society's award for promoting the Underground Railroad in
2003.
Due to the format and subject matter of the program,
participants must be actively involved.
On October 2, participants, ages 15 and older,
are welcomed to participate. If between the ages of 15 and 18, a
parent or guardian must be present. On October 9, the program is
for adults only.
Registration begins September 20. Space is limited.
For more information to make reservations, call
216-341-3152. Exact meeting location and additional program
information will be given upon registration.
Experience the "Escape on the Underground
Railroad" with Cleveland Metroparks - part of your
life, naturally.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Media are invited to preview the program at the
dress rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 23 at Cleveland
Metroparks Hemlock Creek Picnic Area in Bedford Reservation. For
more information and to reserve a spot at the rehearsal, contact
Bob Rotatori at 216-635-3263. Space is limited.
