EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a weekly series on our region’s history coordinated by the Trumbull County Historical Society.

Trumbull County played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, offering sanctuary to freedom seekers on their perilous journey northward.

Among the homes that served as safe havens were Brownwood, Center Brook Manor and the Obermiyer-Hart House. These residences not only provided refuge, but also symbolized the unwavering commitment of their inhabitants to the abolitionist cause.

To ensure this history is not forgotten, the Trumbull County Historical Society launched the “Abolitionist & Me,” a project aimed at fourth-grade students that explores local sites tied to the Underground Railroad. Through a series of videos, the project highlights the homes and individuals who risked everything to fight against slavery.

By sharing these stories, TCHS helps connect the present to the past, showing how the choices of ordinary citizens played a role in shaping the course of history.

One such home is Brownwood, built in 1819 by Ephraim Brown and his wife, Mary Buckingham Huntington, in Bloomfield Township.

Ephraim Brown, originally from New Hampshire, was a leader in the community, serving as postmaster, justice of the peace, state road commissioner, state representative and state senator.

He was also active in the Trumbull County Anti-Slavery Society, reflecting his deep commitment to the abolitionist movement. The Browns’ home became a safe place for freedom seekers, hidden within the dense woods that surrounded it.

Another key site, Center Brook Manor, also in Bloomfield, was built in 1845 and was once home to Charles and Julia Brown. Located on 110 acres of gardens, farmland and orchards, the house is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the height of the Underground Railroad, it served as a critical stop, providing shelter and aid to those escaping enslavement.

The Browns’ deep involvement in the abolitionist cause made their home a beacon of hope for those in search of freedom. Today, the home is owned by Bloomfield Trustee Roger Peterson, who has put endless hours into preserving the building for the community.

In Brookfield, the Obermiyer-Hart House tells another important story of resistance. Originally constructed in the 1820s as Squire Ambrose Hart’s General Store, it has since been converted into an apartment complex. During the Underground Railroad era, the building was a crucial refuge for freedom seekers.

Though it has changed over the years, the tunnels underneath the building remain a significant testament to the bravery of those who harbored fugitive slaves and those who risked everything to escape oppression. A small shoe and shackle found in the tunnel are now housed at the Brookfield Historical Society as a reminder of what happened there.

Understanding and commemorating the history of the Underground Railroad is vital for communities today. It serves as a reminder of the courage and solidarity of individuals who, despite immense risks, stood against the inhumanity of slavery.

Programs like the “Abolitionist & Me” project help ensure that these important histories continue to educate and inspire future generations. For those looking to learn more about this important chapter in local history, the Trumbull County Historical Society offers Underground Railroad bus tours every February and September. These tours take visitors to significant sites, sharing the powerful stories of those who resisted slavery and those who helped them on their journey to freedom.

For more information, visit www.trumbullcountyhistory.org, email info@trumbullcountyhistory.org, or call us at 330-394-4653.