CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ross County Historical Society invites the public to a special Summer Lecture series event featuring Ohio native and author Kathy Schulz, who will be reading from her latest book, The Underground Railroad in Ohio. This free event will take place on Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ross County Heritage Center, located at 45 West Fifth Street in Chillicothe.
During a time of significant turmoil in American history, thousands of individuals seeking freedom traversed the Underground Railroad through Ohio. The state was a major hub, hosting nearly half of all fugitive slave traffic during the antebellum era. Ohio’s unique mix of Northern and Southern settlers added layers of complexity to the struggle, which ultimately contributed greatly to both state and national history. Despite its importance, the history of Ohio’s Underground Railroad has often been shrouded in silence and distorted by misinformation and folklore—until now. Schulz’s book offers a meticulously researched account of Ohio’s Underground Railroad, highlighting true stories of key figures such as Addison White and John Parker.
Kathy Schulz, a retired college librarian from Wittenberg University and a native of Northeast Ohio, has deep roots in the state and holds degrees from three of its universities. She lived at two major Underground Railroad junctions and emphasizes that the Underground Railroad in Ohio was predominantly above ground, not in tunnels as often depicted. Schulz’s academic background includes a B.S. in Education from Ohio State, an M.L.S. from Kent State, and an M.Hum. from Wright State. Her research into anti-slavery activities was conducted through traditional methods, using archival materials.
Currently residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her husband, Schulz remains active with friends, hobbies, and grandchildren. She describes herself as a “soldier in the information revolution” due to her extensive career in libraries.
For more information about the event, please contact the Ross County Historical Society at 740-772-1936.
