The Black Horse Inn, an historic tavern in Morristown that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, is planned to be the new home of the Underground Railroad Museum Ohio Valley. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

Ohio is well-known as the home of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, as well as the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce, and others.

See previous article, “Places in Ohio related to Black American history are great visits.”

There are several more museums that also offer insights into the experience, culture and heritage of Black Americans in Ohio.

Braceville African American Heritage Museum, 1250 Cedar St. SW, Newton Falls, raises public awareness and knowledge of the Underground Railroad and the Great Migration.

It also has exhibits about the contributions to Ohio history by such notables as Earnie Shavers, heavyweight boxing contender; Ted Toles Jr., Negro Baseball League player; author Brian Broome, BBQ pitmaster Guy Hughes and boxer Randy Stephens. The museum is housed in the first home of Shavers, built in 1923. For more information, call (330) 373-8395.

Underground Railroad Museum Ohio Valley, 121 E. High St., Flushing, features a collection of 8,000 cultural and historic items related to the Underground Railroad in the local area. The Belmont County museum plans to move its offices and exhibits to the Black Horse Inn in Morristown when renovations are completed to the historic tavern (possibly by October 2026).

The Black Horse Inn, originally built in 1807 along the National Road, was the site of Duncan Morrison’s tavern and reputed to be part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. It operated as the Horner House, Wright Hotel and Shriver Hotel.

The museum in Flushing is open Thursday-Saturday noon-3 p.m. March-October; by appointment only November-February, call (740) 963-3036.

View Morristown and the Black Horse Inn in this video. If this video does not appear in the email, please use this link — https://youtu.be/Ehz9qQ4KUIw

The African American Museum Cleveland, 1765 Crawford Rd., has been located in the historic Hough neighborhood of Cleveland since 1984. The museum has served as an institution that has provided cultural awareness, education about Black history and community events in addition to a collection of artifacts that represent a holistic view of the African diasporic experience.

The museum’s permanent collection includes a range of artifacts, including quilts, clothing, and other objects that reflect the everyday lives of African Americans in Cleveland. The museum hosts regular exhibitions, events, and programs that highlight the contributions of Black Americans to Cleveland’s history, culture, and arts. For more information, call (216) 721-6555.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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