FLUSHING, Ohio — Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks a pivotal moment in American history—the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. 

The importance of Juneteenth extends beyond a historical milestone; it’s a day to celebrate African American culture, heritage, and achievements. It encourages reflection on the past and promotes education about the significant contributions of Black Americans throughout history. For communities across the country, including the Ohio Valley, Juneteenth is an opportunity to come together, learn, and grow.  

One of the shining examples of dedication to preserving and educating about African American history in our region is the Underground Railroad Museum (UGRRM) in Flushing, Ohio. The museum, directed by Kristina Estle, houses more than 8,000 artifacts spread across three floors, offering a comprehensive view of the Underground Railroad, slavery, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement up to present-day issues. 

Museum History 

The museum was founded in 1993 by Dr. John Mattox and his wife, Rosalind. Dr. Mattox’s interest in the Underground Railroad was sparked by his discovery of his enslaved grandmother’s cabin. This personal connection fueled his lifelong passion for collecting artifacts and educating the public about this crucial part of American history. What started as a small exhibit in an insurance office has grown into a significant institution, now located in its own building. 

The Underground Railroad Museum’s mission goes beyond showcasing historical artifacts. It aims to educate the community about the ongoing issues of racial injustice and the importance of social equity.   

“As a public historian, my number one goal is to reach as many people as I can, period,” says Estle. “For the full impact, you have to walk into the doors of the Underground Railroad and get a tour from me. That’s where it starts.”  

The Dr. John & Rosalind Mattox Underground Railroad Museum Endowment Fund 

Estle shares her vision passionately, emphasizing the need for increased philanthropy and community involvement. She dreams of a future where the museum can operate without relying on admission fees, thereby welcoming everyone to experience its powerful exhibits. This is why the Board of the museum established an endowment with the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley in February 2023. This endowment aims to ensure the museum’s financial stability and long-term sustainability. Estle hopes that as the endowment continues to grow, the museum will eventually be able to offer free admission, making it accessible to all and enabling more people to learn about this critical chapter of American history. 

Estle also underscores the importance of celebrating Juneteenth in the Ohio Valley, a region with its own historical ties to slavery and the Underground Railroad. “Juneteenth is really a great opportunity to bring people together of all backgrounds, of all ethnicities, and to celebrate, to talk about these social injustices, which continue today, and how they can be a part of the change,” she says. 

Estle and the Underground Railroad Museum are moving to the Black Horse Inn in Morristown, thanks to a $3.9 million grant from Ohio’s Appalachian Grant Program. This fulfills Estle’s long-held dream for greater visibility and growth while continuing Dr. John Mattox’s legacy of educating the public about the area’s role in the Civil War and slavery.

How You Can Support the UGRRM 

The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley is proud to support local nonprofits like the Underground Railroad Museum. We encourage everyone to learn more about the museum, participate in its events, and consider contributing to its endowment. By doing so, you help preserve an essential part American history and support ongoing efforts at the museum to educate and inspire future generations. 

Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom but also a call to action. It reminds us that while we have made significant strides, there is still much work to be done. This Juneteenth, let us come together as a community to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a more just and equitable future.