National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

Address:	50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Phone:	+1 877-648-4838
Site:	freedomcenter.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Elmer Shrock

On Nov. 5th 2016 we did a large group family tour of this so important building and subject. It was a huge disappointment to us the way the tour guide twist her owe political agenda into the whole story. She claimed that as of today our police go knocking on poor black peoples doors harassing them and often arrest them to keep the jails at 90% of black inmates which she claimed is the projected target American law has in place. Now we all know history well enough that we also know there where many white people that risk and even gave their lives to help the black slaves to escape, infact they have this information as well and we walked right underneath a hanging banner but never once did she mention these people. We thought that the "Freedom Center" was about the underground railroad which this guide seemed to totally overlook. We would all recommend that you do not get some political guide that wants to try a push their own narrative on you but instead just go through and read the information yourself. We as a family knew of "John Brown " naming just one of many of the people that helped free the slaves. We used to sing the song "John Brown had a little Indian " in our home growing up, knowing he was anti-slave. This is a great place to get some knowledge on history but as a contractor must say way over budget for what is on display at a 100 million. And folks, if your are going to have a guide I would recommend that you prepare yourself to be lead off track and you may ask that the guide leaves her phone in her pocket and not try and text others while she is giving her owe political view instead of facts.... what a joke

Jon Edward Jordan

Theres a lot to learn at this beautiful new museum. We took a 10 year old and had him read some of the texts aloud to make sure he stayed focused. He knew what the UR was from school, which helped. You couldnt really leave a child much younger than 12 or 13 alone. There is a lot of reading, but also it requires some maturity to process what youre seeing. We couldnt see everything in one day, and we even went to lunch and came back for more! Definitely a museum that merits several visits as young people grow and can take in more about the politics of slavery, court decisions that brought on the Civil War, modern day slavery, etc. The staff do a good job of talking about whats there. More would probably be better. We saw some kids on a school trip with a guide. I suspect thats the ideal way to visit. Excellent videos that show the personal risks the heroes of the Underground Railroad took, be they white or black. All around, this is learning center about American history that everyone ought to visit. Cincinnati is lucky to have it.

Carryn Lonnemann

Going off from attending a field trip to the freedom center, it was OK. However, there was only little information I never was really taught in school. Everything was a review, and I could tell the other students I was with did not want to be here. Everyone became more tired and uninterested as more facts and lessons were being taught. For an impressive amount of space in the building, almost half of the space was pretty much empty and it could have been used for so much more. In the space that was already filled, there wasnt a lot of artifacts or relics from the time that slavery was still going on. A majority of what I saw was a short film, and barely nothing from slavery time. And this place does not seem worth while to go to a second time. If this is your first time making a trip to the freedom, I will not judge you for that. However, after reading this review, you might want to reconsider your trip.

Caroline Watkins

Cincinnati was my last stop on a 4,000 mile road trip. l unfortunately did not have much time to spend in Cincinnati, but I am happy I decided to visit this museum. They do offer AAA discounts, but no student discounts. The exhibits are phenomenal. When I visited, June 5th, 2016, they had an exhibit about the use of Native Indians as mascots, modern slavery, and a limited time exhibit about the Emancipation Proclamation along with their permanent exhibit. The photography exhibit they had was absolutely breathtaking. It is a very interactive museum. Make sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial right beside the entrance to the museum.

Mykie Curtis

I love the museum and the rich history it offers. My husband and I have studied the history of slavery, the American civil war and underground railroad for many years and still we learn something new every time we go. I was especially impressed with the artwork they had on display and their dedication to continuing the fight against modern day slavery. We tried the Rosa Parks experience, which wasnt available the last time we went, which was brief, but powerful. Its a wonderful institution and worth every penny. A great way to spend a few hours on a rainy day.

Chris Baglieri

Fantastic museum, housed in a gorgeous building! Visited with two families with kids ranging from 6 to 16 and highly recommend it! The displays were well thought out, designed to handle traffic and deeply impacting. The museum is appropriate (although a little information-dense) for all school-aged kids. Younger kids need a lot of adult support to process the displays (and should definitely skip the wing dealing with trafficking) but the audio-visuals and narrated videos were perfect for them.

Roger Hankey

Good experience. Lots to learn about slavery and those who helped slaves escape. We suggest they improve the lighting on many exhibits as some were hard to read due to light and shadow contrasts on text. Good to combine this with stops in Louisville, KY at Muhammed Ali Center, and Fraser History Center, along with Lakewood, OH (Cleveland suburb) to see the "last stop" at park on shore of Lake Eire.

Chintan Patel

This museum cum exhibition documents history of slavery and freedom and it does a great job at it. Documents history of american slave trade and struggles of slaves. At the same time, it shines light on current state of slavery on international stage and emphasizes that there is still a lot to be done. This is a must visit place if you are in Cincinnati.

Teri Allstaedt

Well worth the visit, modestly priced. Beautiful building, lovely setting close to the river, variety of displays relaying historical facts including an authentic "Slave Pen" and we were fortunate to tag along with a group that had Carl Westmoreland as the tour guide. It was an informative and thought provoking experience. Glad we went.

Stephanie Pinkelton

Staff was very detached. Every worker I met was on there cellphones texting. No direction. For what they have its OK but I believe it can be so much better. Beautiful building with massive space not enough exhibit. It seems like a waste because it had much potential but clearly not enough support for the history or vision.

Gregory Norris

I went every time that I went to the Cincinnati Jazz Fest. IT WAS A MUST for me.We have a long and deep history that has been stolen and suppressed. I will never forget. Next week I will be in DC at The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture for my Birthday Celebration.

Candice Fleszar-Smith

Amazing! Lots of different exhibits here beyond underground railroad. I do wish there was more detail on locations of different railroad stops throughout the country. There were a few highlighted opposed to being able to get a bigger picture of how many locations were actually involved.