The Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum

10/10/2026

A special thank you to Andy Pochatko a dedicated docent at the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, for being one of the speakers at the 2026 Underground Railroad Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

His presentation was both informative and inspiring, offering valuable insights into the history and significance of the Underground Railroad in Ashtabula County.

We would also like to recognize Sharone Sing, Board Chair of the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, for his participation and contributions to the conference.

We appreciate everyone who continues to preserve, share, and honor this important part of our history.

Preserving history. Inspiring generations.

10/03/2026

🎉 WE ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! 🎉

I’m excited to share that the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum’s Evening of Escape Gala is officially SOLD OUT!

We are honored to welcome former Cleveland Indians All-Star Andre “Thunder” Thornton as our guest speaker for this special evening.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors, community partners, board members, and everyone who continues to support the Hubbard House and its important history.

On October 17th we look forward to welcoming a full house for an evening of history, community, and celebration.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible!

09/22/2026

🎬 **Re-Viewing **Uncle Tom’s Cabin
A REFERENCE Special Silent Film Presentation

When Harriet Beecher Stowe published Uncle Tom’s Cabin, its impact was enormous. The novel brought the cruelty of slavery before a wide American audience, became one of the mot influential books of its era, and later became the most adapted story of the silent film era.

This year, the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, in partnership with the Lakeside Society for the Performing Arts, invites the community to experience the 1914 silent film adaptation of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

This historic film is especially significant because it was the first feature-length American film to star an African American actor, with Sam Lucas portraying Uncle Tom rather than a white actor performing the role in blackface.

🎹 Live Musical Accompaniment by Jay Spencer
Cleveland-area organist Jay Spencer, house organist at the Canton Palace Theatre and a musician with the Cleveland Silent Film Festival and Colloquium, will provide live accompaniment for the film.

📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
🕑 2:00 p.m.
📍 Bethany Lutheran Church
933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio

A discussion of the film and its historical significance will follow the screening by Andy Pochatko.

Admission is FREE. Donations are appreciated.

Join us for an afternoon of film, music, history, and conversation as we revisit an important piece of American cultural history.

Presented by the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum and the Lakeside Society for the Performing Arts.

09/14/2026

As another wonderful season comes to a close at the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, we want to say THANK YOU!

We are incredibly grateful to every person who walked through our doors this year. We welcomed visitors from across the country and around the world, and each visit gave us another opportunity to share the powerful history, courage, resilience, and legacy represented by the Hubbard House.

Thank you to our visitors, supporters, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who helped make this season so special. Your support allows us to continue preserving this important history and sharing it with future generations.

Although the Hubbard House is now closed for the season, our work continues, and we are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year!

From all of us at the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum — thank you for an amazing season. We’ll see you next year!

08/08/2026

Today, the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum was honored to welcome the First Good Samaritan AME Zion Church Educational Group for a meaningful day of learning, reflection, and inspiration.

Our guests traveled from Erie, Pennsylvania; Akron, Ohio; New Castle, Pennsylvania; and Massillon, Ohio to explore the powerful history of the Underground Railroad and the courageous individuals who risked everything in the pursuit of freedom.

We were also delighted to welcome additional visitors from Middlefield, Ohio, along with guests from North Carolina and Florida, making it a wonderful day of welcoming visitors from across several communities.

Thank you to everyone who spent part of your day with us. Your enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and passion for learning help keep these important stories alive for future generations. We hope you left with a deeper appreciation for the courage, resilience, and hope that define the legacy of the Underground Railroad.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Hubbard House again soon!

08/08/2026

🎟️ Tickets are officially SOLD OUT!🤗

Join us for An Evening of Escape: A Life of Resilience on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Riverbend Hotel & Suites in Ashtabula.

This special evening will feature keynote speaker André Thornton, former Cleveland Indians All-Star and CEO of ASW Global, as we come together to celebrate resilience, history, and community while supporting the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum.

🥂 Hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 PM
🍽️ Dinner & Program 7–9 PM

Reserve your seat today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-escape-life-of-resilience-tickets-1996656876466

Join us for a night of bravery and adventure as we celebrate a life of resilience together!

08/08/2026

Step into a night of history, resilience, and community—featuring André Thornton.

Join Executive Director Sally Bradley as she shares what’s in store for An Evening of Escape: A Life of Resilience, happening Saturday, October 17 at the Riverbend Hotel & Suites in Ashtabula.

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
🥂 Hors d’oeuvres 6:30 PM | Dinner & Program 7–9 PM
🎤 Featuring keynote speaker André Thornton, former Cleveland Indians All-Star and CEO of ASW Global
🎟️ Benefiting the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the strength, perseverance, and stories that continue to shape our community.

07/22/2026

Exciting News from the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum!

We are honored to announce that the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Ashtabula Foundation to support our historic chimney restoration project.

This investment will help preserve an important part of our community’s history, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn about the courage, resilience, and legacy of the Underground Railroad.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ashtabula Foundation Board of Directors, Grant Committee, and staff for believing in our mission and investing in the preservation of this historic landmark.

Together, we are preserving history, strengthening our community, and inspiring future generations.

Thank you, Ashtabula Foundation, for partnering with us to keep history alive! ❤️

07/17/2026

What an incredible day at the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum!

We had the pleasure of welcoming 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders from After School Discovery for a tour of the museum. These students were curious and respectful.

Watching young minds connect with history is one of the greatest joys of what we do.

A special thank you to the students, staff, and chaperones from After School Discovery for spending part of your day with us. We loved having you and look forward to welcoming you back again!

History comes alive when young hearts are eager to learn. ❤️

07/04/2026

A Beautiful Addition to the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum

We are honored to welcome a remarkable new piece of artwork to the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum.

A heartfelt thank you to local artist Chris Davis for creating this powerful painting,
Ride to Ashtabula, for Liberty, which beautifully captures the courage, hope, and determination of freedom seekers traveling the Underground Railroad. This meaningful piece reminds us of the vital role the Hubbard House played as one of the last safe stops on the journey to freedom.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Jodi Cash for her generous donation of this beautiful artwork to the museum. Your generosity helps preserve and share this important history with visitors for generations to come.

A very special thank you to Framed on Main in Ashtabula and owner Chris DiGiacomo for adding the perfect finishing touch with his beautiful custom framing. His craftsmanship enhances this inspiring work and ensures it can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

We invite everyone to stop by the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum to view this incredible piece in person and experience the powerful story it tells.

Together, through art, generosity, and community partnerships, we continue to honor the legacy of those who courageously sought freedom.

Thank you, Chris Davis, Jodi Cash, and Chris DiGiacomo of Framed on Main for helping us preserve and share this important history. ❤️