Northwest Ohio offers several sites that highlight the region’s contributions to civil rights and African American history. Open throughout the year, but we are identying them here as a reminder during Black History Month. These landmarks provide a deeper understanding of the struggles for freedom and equality. Here are some notable area locations to explore:
Mott Branch Library
African American Legacy Project This branch hosts exhibits and events highlighting African American history, focusing on the struggle for civil rights in Toledo and beyond. toledolibrary.org/mott
1010 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43607
Mon through Thurs 9 am to 8:30pm
Fri-Sat 9am to 5:30pm
Closed Sunday
(419) 259-5230
The Lathrop House – Sylvania
Once a station on the Underground Railroad, the Lathrop House preserves the history of those who sought freedom. Visitors can explore the basement museum that tells stories of courage and resilience.
heritagesylvania.org
5362 Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560
(419) 517-5533
Toledo Lucas County Public Library – Local History and Genealogy Department
Dive into the archives that document the history of civil rights and African American heritage in Toledo. This resource offers valuable insights into local activism and cultural contributions.
www.toledolibrary.org
325 Michigan St., Toledo, Ohio 43604
419.259.5200
M-Th: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
F-Sa: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Su: Closed
National Museum of the Great Lakes
While primarily focused on maritime history, this museum features exhibits on the migration of African Americans through the Great Lakes region, connecting to the broader civil rights narrative.
inlandseas.org
Toledo Skyway Marina 1701 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605
Sunday Noon to 5pm
Mon, Weds through Sat 10am to 5 pm
Closed Tuesday
(419) 214-5000
Road Trips
These sites are a short drive from the Toledo area, accessible on a day trip or an overnight excursion, providing further insight into and context for the history of the fight for civil rights in our region.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Detroit, MI
This museum, a regional treasure, is one of the largest instituions of its kind in the US, offering exhibits on African American culture, history and civil rights, including a powerful focus on the Civil Rights Movement .
thewright.org
Wayne State University Campus
315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Tuesday through Sunday 9am to 5 pm
Thursday to 7 pm
Closed Monday
313-494-5800
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Cincinnati, OH
This museum delves into the history of the Underground Railroad and its enduring legacy in
the struggle for human rights. Exhibits include artifacts, personal stories and insights into Ohio’s significant role in the network of freedom.
freedomcenter.org
50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Weds through Sunday 10am to 5 pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
(513) 333-7500
The Rosa Parks exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum
Dearborn MI
This exhibit features the fully restored Montgomery city bus where Rosa Parks took her historic stand against segregation in 1955. This pivotal act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The bus now serves as a powerful symbol of her courage and activism. Learn more about the exhibit at The Henry Ford Museum.
thehenryford.org
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
Sunday through Saturday
9:30am to 5 pm
(313) 982-6001
John Rankin House
Ripley, OH
About four hours from Toledo, east of Cinncinati along the Ohio River, this site was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. The home of abolitionist Reverend John Rankin provided refuge to hundreds of enslaved people seeking freedom. The site offers guided tours detailing Ohio’s pivotal role in the fight against slavery and its connection to the modern civil rights movements.
ripleyohio.net/john-rankin-house
6152 Rankin Hill Rd, Ripley, OH 45167
Weds to Sat 10am to 5 pm
Sunday Noon – 5pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
(937) 392-4044
