The 20th Annual Underground Railroad Experience:
A Celebration of the Life and Lineage of the Forebears for Freedom
An inspiring story of freedom seekers and the abolitionists who aided them.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Take a trip back in time to the year 1820, as you travel in this walking drama with historic characters who welcome you as a freedom seeker. Learn about escaping the realities of slavery and Spring Hill’s role as a station on the Underground Railroad.
The Underground Railroad Experience is an annual event that engages surrounding communities in learning about Massillon’s African American and Underground Railroad history during the early 1820s.
Our history comes to life with 4 performances of the award-winning and interactive play, One Stop on the Road to Freedom, inspired by local historical figures and freedom seeker narratives. An accessibility performance at 12:45 p.m. will be seated and both ASL interpretation and closed captioning will be provided. New this year will be reflection sessions with song and dance, soul food, West African craft making, as well as open discussions about the history and culture showcased throughout the day. Attendees can take an open-house style tour of the 1821 farmhouse and participate in various activities around the grounds.
At 3:00 p.m. there will be an Ancestor Tree Dedication and Proclamation presented by the City of Massillon, and members of Spring Hill. We hope you will join us in celebrating our 20th year of this very special event!
One Stop on the Road to Freedom Showtimes:
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (accessibility performance) – 2:00 p.m.
Performances are immersive and involve traveling across Spring Hill grounds for about 40 minutes. Guests with mobility challenges or who are hearing impaired should consider tickets for the accessibility performance. This performance is seated and will have both ASL interpretation and closed captioning. This service will also be available for the 3:00 pm Proclamation and Dedication Ceremony.
Open-house style tours of the 1821 farmhouse available throughout the day.
*The house will be closed to tours during the accessibility performance*
Additional Attractions:
- Djapo Cultural Arts Institute: African drum making and drumming circle
- Luvih Yoga Studio: Reflections through movement sessions
- Dr. Tameka Ellington, Stark County Black History Museum Curator: West African fabric craft
- The Forebears to Freedom: in-house exhibit of the abolitionist movement in the Kendal/Massillon Community
- On the Run: Choose-your-own-path interactive game
- Food Trucks: Featuring authentic soul food
- Community Partner Info Booths: visit with the Arts and Culture Institutes of Stark County
Tickets
Adults $15 – Students (7-17 + college) $10 – Children (6 and under) Free
Tickets are sold by performance times, with an exclusive ticket available for the Ancestor Tree Dedication and Proclamation.
Or call the office at (330) 833-6749 with your name, call-back number and ticket request.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
*This is a rain or shine event. In the case of thunderstorms, performances could be delayed. Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis up to two (2) days prior to the event (September 18th). Please call the office at (330) 833-6749. No refunds will be processed the day of the event.
The 2025 Underground Railroad Experience is presented with support from our sponsors:
Massillon Aerie, Eagles Post #190
MCTV
Koby Electric
Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Homes
Bates Printing
Buehler’s Fresh Foods