Museum highlights Ohio's critical role in the Underground Railroad

CINCINNATI, Ohio (WCMH) -- An Ohio attraction is showing the state's integral role in the Underground Railroad.

The Underground Railroad wasn't actually underground. It was a system of people, houses, churches and businesses -- all working to help those who escaped bondage navigate wooded areas and trails while on their way to freedom in the northern states or Canada. NBC4 was given an all-access tour of the museum bringing it to life.

Novella Nimmo-Black has been with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for 20 years. First as a storyteller, now as the manager of community engagement and special projects.

"I had a full time job," Nimmo-Black said. "But I felt like this is where I was supposed to be... I thought this is something that I wanted to do. I wanted my kids to understand it, my grandkids to understand it."

For those asking, "So what? That was a long time ago," Nimmo-Black had a response.

"I understand it's a dark history, but it happened," Nimmo-Black said. "Tell it so that it won't happen again. Give it light so that it can't be happening, so that people can't distort the truth."

The center introduces visitors to the challenges that enslaved people faced as well as stories. For example, "Henry Box Brown," who escaped slavery by shipping himself from Virginia to Pennsylvania.

While Ohio was a free state, it did require African Americans to show "Freedom Papers" and be registered with the county where they lived. To do all this, they had to pay a fee.

To learn more about the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, click here.