CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Historical Society is pleased to announce a captivating event in its 2023 Fall Lecture Series, offering the public an opportunity to delve into the untold stories of the Underground Railroad in the Appalachian Foothills of Ohio. The lecture, titled “New Light on the Underground Railroad in the Appalachian Foothills of Ohio,” will be presented by Dr. Andrew Feight, a distinguished Professor of American History at Shawnee State University.
This informative session will shed light on the pivotal role of African American settlements and churches in the intricate operations of a multi-racial “network to freedom.” Dr. Feight’s presentation will meticulously trace the stories of freedom seekers and the unwavering support extended by Appalachian Ohioans, irrespective of their race, in helping these seekers escape and resist the institution of slavery.
Dr. Andrew Feight is not only a prominent historian but also serves as the Director of the Center for Public History at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio. He is recognized as the Developer and Editor of the Scioto Historical Project, a mobile app and website designed to explore the rich history of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the surrounding Appalachian region.
Currently, Dr. Feight is at the helm of a significant initiative as the Director of Research and Outreach for an Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Grant project. Named the “Appalachian Freedom Initiative,” this project is dedicated to documenting and marking historical Underground Railroad sites in the Tristate region encompassing Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Once completed, a total of twenty-seven sites will receive official recognition and be listed by the National Park Service’s Network To Freedom marker program.
A native of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Dr. Feight has an impressive academic background, having graduated from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. He completed his Ph.D. in American History at the University of Kentucky, where he specialized in the history of slavery and the abolition movement.
This lecture marks the commencement of the 2023 Fall Lecture Series at the Ross County Heritage Center and, notably, is open to the public without any admission fees. For further information about this enlightening event, please reach out to the Ross County Historical Society at 740-772-1936.