September Speaker Discusses Roles Played by Ohio and Hudson in the Underground Railroad

On September 10, Hudson Heritage Association begins its season of public programming when Dave Gates, Education Specialist for Remember When Outreach and Summer Programming at the Summit County Historical Society, will discuss Ohio – and Hudson’s – roles in the Underground Railroad. 

A critical part of the effort to end slavery in the United States, the Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape from the American South to free northern states and Canada between the late 18th century and the end of the Civil War. Ohio alone had 3,000 miles of routes used by the Underground Railroad. Mr. Gates will explain why Ohio played a significant role in helping Freedom Seekers on their journey to Canada and will introduce the stories of some of the important people who made it all possible. He will explore how Hudson became an essential part of this network, along with common myths and falsehoods about the Underground Railroad. Attendees will learn whether or not black bands on a chimney signified a safe house, why so-called “secret rooms” often had nothing to do with the Underground Railroad and many other fascinating details about this singular movement in American history.

Dave Gates started as a volunteer at the Summit County Historical Society in 2010, assisting with special events and programming, including the collaborative “Down at Lock 3” as part of the Akron History exhibit. After retiring from Summit Metro Parks, he began working with the Society’s education department where he developed the outreach program “Understanding the American Hobo.” Besides going on the road for the Society and traveling to six different counties for Remember When presentations, Dave helps plan and conduct a 14-week summer program called Farm Fridays for elementary school students. He also develops and presents programs for adults and families such as his current “The Tools that Built the Connecticut Western Reserve” series.

HHA’s September 10 program, to be held at Barlow Community Center, begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.