SPRINGFIELD – On Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m., the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association will present a program about the role of Ohio in the Underground Railroad. The presentation will take place in the clubhouse on the grounds of the Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 W National Road in Springfield. Enter through the main entrance and follow the signs.

During the 19th century, white abolitionists, enslaved and free blacks cooperated to help hide and transport runaway slaves on their dangerous journey to freedom. Ohio, including Clark and Greene counties, played a prominent role in this movement. Ohio Humanities speaker Cathy Nelson will present a slide-illustrated program about the history of the Underground Railroad and particular stations throughout Ohio.

Nelson is the founder and president emeritus of the Friends of Freedom Society, a 19th century historical research organization, whose main focus is Underground Railroad research. She also founded the Ohio Underground Railroad Association, an organization comprised of regional coordinators and county researchers from around the state whose task was to research, document and preserve the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio. She helped to set up similar Underground Railroad organizations in six states.

This free event is sponsored by the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association, the organization that hosts the Fair at New Boston at George Rogers Clark Park every Labor Day weekend.