CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Historical Society is pleased to extend an invitation to the public for its upcoming Fall Lecture series event. Renowned historian, Dr. Andrew Feight, Professor of American History at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, will delve into the fascinating topic of the Underground Railroad in the Appalachian Foothills of Ohio.
Dr. Feight’s presentation, titled “New Light on the Underground Railroad in the Appalachian Foothills of Ohio,” promises to be an enlightening journey through history. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 16th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The location for this engaging historical exploration is the Ross County Heritage Center, situated at 45 West Fifth Street in Chillicothe.
During the lecture, Dr. Feight will shed light on the vital role that African American settlements and churches played in the complex operations of the multi-racial “network to freedom.” He will trace the narratives of freedom seekers and the Appalachian Ohioans, both white and black, who courageously aided them in their quest to escape and resist the horrors of slavery.
Dr. Feight, a distinguished Professor of American History and the Director of the Center for Public History at Shawnee State University, has an impressive track record in historical research and public engagement. He is the driving force behind the Scioto Historical Project, a captivating public history mobile app and website that offers insights into the history of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the surrounding Appalachian region.
Currently, Dr. Feight serves as the Director of Research and Outreach for the Appalachian Freedom Initiative, a groundbreaking project funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Grant. This initiative is dedicated to documenting and marking Underground Railroad historical sites in the Tristate region, spanning Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. When completed, these twenty-seven sites will be officially recognized and listed by the National Park Service’s Network To Freedom marker program.
A native of Sandy Springs, Georgia, Dr. Feight is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and holds a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Kentucky. His specialization in the history of slavery and the abolition movement makes him an ideal speaker to illuminate the history of the Underground Railroad.
This compelling lecture marks the commencement of the 2023 Fall Lecture Series at the Ross County Heritage Center. The event is open to the public and free of charge, offering an excellent opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of the Underground Railroad in the Appalachian Foothills of Ohio. For further details and inquiries, please contact the Ross County Historical Society at 740-772-1936. Don’t miss this chance to uncover hidden stories of heroism and resilience in the fight for freedom.