Freedom train gets funding

SANDUSKY — An effort to spotlight Sandusky's significant role along the Underground Railroad got a boost Tuesday with a $40,000 grant. The city announced it had been awarded the Buckeye Impact Grant via the America 250-Ohio Commission. The commission, formed to celebrate the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, offers funds "for projects with a statewide, regional or significant local impact," according to an organizational statement. Sandusky's government represents one of 23 grant recipients selected from more than 70 statewide applications when organizations submitted funding requests last year. The grant program "is designed to showcase the achievements, struggles, honors, innovations and significance of all people in Ohio," the statement read. Sandusky's project, titled Freedom's Echo: Sandusky's Underground Railroad Legacy, will "focus on the city's role in the Underground Railroad, blending historical preservation and modern technology to offer an immersive experience," the statement read. The $40,000 grant will fully cover costs for "interactive exhibits, enhanced guided walking tours with QR code-accessible audio narratives and a showcase of historical sites, aiming to preserve and celebrate Sandusky's contribution to the fight for freedom and quality," the statement read. Doug Preisse, co-chair of the America 250-Ohio commission, congratulated Sandusky officials on receiving the grant. "Their efforts in educating the public and honoring Ohio's illustrious history are deeply appreciated," Preisse said. "As we near America's 250th anniversary, (this project and others) will play an essential role in elevating our state's history and bolstering our communities' efforts to execute impactful initiatives during such a monumental celebration." Sandusky officials thanked the committee for funds. "We are honored to receive the Buckeye Impact grant," ex officio mayor Dick Brady said. "This grant is not just a contribution to a project: It's an investment in preserving and celebrating Sandusky's crucial role in the Underground Railroad," Brady added. "It enables us to bring our rich history to life, ensuring that the stories of those who fought for freedom are remembered and honored for generations to come." Taking the tour Several historic houses within various Sandusky neighborhoods played a vital role in the complex yet hidden network established by abolitionists, who helped slaves reach their freedom destination, often in Canada. Because of Sandusky's location, area homes often represented the last stop for a slave before achieving freedom. A number of area organizations — namely the Erie County Historical Society, Shores & Islands Ohio, the Sandusky Underground Railroad Education Center and The Old House Guild of Sandusky — developed an Underground Railroad walking tour, which features 13 stops of prominent properties. Eden Valley Enterprises, Elaine Lawson and the late Janet Senne, a past president of the Erie County Historical Society, also provided research assistance. The aforementioned grant Sandusky received aims to expand upon and enhance this walking tour. A map created by the Register corresponds to the numbered stops along Sandusky's Underground Railroad walking tour. There are 13 stops in and around downtown. The tour should take about an hour to complete. Here's a step-by-step guide for the most efficient route along with some backstory about these sites: Stop 1: Park in the Erie County Office Building parking garage, head south on Columbus Avenue to West Washington Row. Head west on Washington Row. 1. Lucas Beecher House, 215 W. Washington Row 2. The former Beatty Church, southeast corner of Washington and Jackson streets Stop 2: Continue west on West Washington Row and cross Jackson Street. Turn left and then take an immediate right heading west on West Washington Street to Decatur Street. Turn left. 3. Second Baptist Church, 315 Decatur St. 4. John and Samuel Irvine House, 320-322 Lawrence St. Stop 3: Continue south on Decatur Street to Adams Street. Walk east on Adams Street. 5. Follett House Museum, 404 Wayne St. 6. Joseph M. Root House, 231 E. Adams St. 7. Henry Merry House, 330 E. Adams St. 8. Rush R. Sloane House, 403 E. Adams St. Stop 4: Continue walking east and turn north on Franklin Street to East Washington Street. Turn right or east. 9. George Barney House, 422 E. Washington St. 10. Captain Thomas McGee House, 536 E. Washington St. Stop 5: Cross East Washington Street and head west on south side of East Washington Street to Hancock Street. Turn right to Facer Park. 11. Facer Park, 255 E. Water St. Stop 6: Head west on Water Street 12. C.C. Keech Warehouse, 231 E. Water St. 13. Marsh Tavern, 100 E. Water St. (now Civista Bank) Stop 7: Continue heading west on Water Street to Columbus Avenue. Turn left on Columbus Avenue to return to the Erie County Office Building's parking garage.