Our Adventure Continues
Day 10 | Cincinnati, OH to St. Louis, MO
We're in Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati has much to offer in the way of art and architecture. Today, though, we’re going to concentrate our visit to a cultural center and an art museum. From Cincinnati, we continue on our way homeward with two additional cities on our horizon. St. Louis, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri. So, let’s get started!
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Cincinnati has had a long history as a sanctuary city. It was among many other northern cities that formed a network instrumental in routing black slaves from the Deep South to Canada, Mexico and other free locations. From around 1790 through the late 19th century (after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation) the Underground Railroad played an instrumental roll in freeing enslaved people. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 people were able to escape their bondage via the network. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center tells the stories of those oppressed by slavery through re-creations of living conditions and telling the stories of those who were instrumental in the abolitionist movement. Here is a good resource for additional information on the Underground Railroad.
The Center is also focused on slavery today as a global problem. We found it very disturbing and eye opening to learn about the conditions that still exist today for women and children who are entrapped in a life of slavery. The issues of slavery are well told by the Center and is an important place for people young and old to learn about our country’s history in an accurate and timely way.
A Few Photos from the Modern Era Slave Trade Exhibit
A Few Photos of the Underground Railroad Exhibits
The Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum dates back to 1886 when it was one of the first purpose-built museums of art built west of the Allegheny Mountains to celebrate Cincinnati’s distinction as one of the most important art centers in the Midwest. Today, after several expansions and renovations, the large neoclassical museum attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. We added 4 to their numbers!
The exhibits touch on every type of art. Painting, sculpture, photography, furniture and on-line exhibits provide the visitors with ancient to contemporary art experiences.
Here a just a few of the delights we saw on our visit.
Nest Stop: St. Louis, Missouri
After a full day of viewing history through the eyes of those oppressed by slavery and a significant art collection, we head to St. Louis, Missouri, and another day of art and architecture. See you for Day 11, soon!