School Tours of the Freedom Center
We offer five age-appropriate tours, each of which provides an interactive learning opportunity that encourages teamwork, observation, critical thinking, experiential learning and open dialogue.
School Tour Hours:10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am - tours last 2 hours
Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mondays except February (Black History Month)
Reservations: 513.333.7737
Available Tours
- Journey to Freedom (Grades K-2)
The Journey to Freedom tour is designed for kindergarten through second grade students to demonstrate that people can choose to COOPERATE. They will explore historical examples of cooperation in the Escape Gallery. A professional storyteller will discuss the value of PERSEVERANCE. Students will use the rubbing tables, choosing words and symbols that reinforce the themes. Finally, the children will integrate the past with the present by examining the creative way that the artist, Aminah Robinson, told the story of her life while comparing the ways people played in the past with today's forms of play.
- The North Star (Grades 3-4)
The North Star tour, which is designed for third and fourth grade students, will take them on a journey back in time to the Underground Railroad. They will see how the North Star assisted the Freedom Seekers on their journey to freedom in the North. They will visit an authentic, nineteenth century slave pen which once held enslaved people before they were sold into the Deep South. They will experience the Escape Gallery where they will actively learn about the abolitionists and conductors of the Underground Railroad through the use of many hands-on activities.
- Early American Geography, Economics, & Slavery (Grades 5-8)
The Early America: Geography, Economics and Slavery tour is designed for fifth through eighth graders. This guided tour takes an in-depth look at the economic impact of slavery in the United States, as well as examines the geographical effects of both the transatlantic and internal slave trades. Hands-on and interactive learning experiences enhance this standards-based tour.
- The Coming of the Cival War (Grades 5-8)
This tour will explore the coming of the Civil War from the Westward Expansion / antebellum years to the end of Reconstruction. The Civil War tour meets Ohio history standards and benchmarks for grades 5 and 8. Students will experience a deep immersion in the "From Slavery to Freedom" gallery and learn about the Emancipation Proclamation, and other literary and historic references. Students will handle reproductions of primary documents such as letters and copies of Harpers Weekly. The tour introduces special Civil War presenters and re-enactors. Students will participate in a Civil War dialogue at the end of the tour.
- Resitance: Unfreedoms, Past & Present (Grades 9-12)
The Resistance: Unfreedoms, Past and Present tour is designed to meet eighth through twelfth grade standards. It incorporates world history, geography, and American history to tell the story of global slavery. Students learn about the Abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad, and how these examples of activism were used to end slavery in the United States. These stories of the past serve as the springboard for exploring contemporary issues of "Unfreedom" and suggests ways in which students can take an active role in saying no to racism and helping others. The tour uses in-gallery questions and handouts.
Scheduling a School Group Visit
Reservations will be accepted up to two weeks prior to your visit. However, we recommend scheduling your trip at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
Steps to scheduling your visit:
- Choose a tour that fits your grade level
- Complete and submit an application:
- Print out, complete, and mail or fax in the School Visit Application.
- Or register by phone: 513.333.7737.
- A confirmation letter will be sent after payment has been received. Directions and parking information will be included
- Arrive and present your confirmation letter and pre-registration form
- Enjoy your Journey
