The 21st Annual Underground Railroad Experience
An inspiring story of freedom seekers and the abolitionists who aided them.
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 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 engages surrounding communities in learning about Massillon’s African American and Underground Railroad history and celebrates African cultural heritage with song, dance, storytelling, art, and food.
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 pm will be seated and enjoyed from the porch of Spring Hill. Attendees can take an open-house style tour of the 1821 farmhouse and participate in various activities around the grounds. Experience African drumming and dance with Djapo Cultural Arts Institute; learn about the significance of African Freedom Quilts from Jackki Boyd, listen to Frederick Douglass interpreted by a member of the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers; grab a bite of soul food.
Tickets are sold by performance times. Admission for adults is $15, youth (6-17) are $10, and children 5 and under are free! We hope you will join us in celebrating 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.
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 dance and drumming circle
- Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers: Frederick Douglass interpreter and African Freedom Quilts
- 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 – Youth (6-17) $10 – Children (5 and under) Free
Tickets are sold by performance times.
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 17th). Please call the office at (330) 833-6749. No refunds will be processed the day of the event.
The 2026 Underground Railroad Experience is presented with support from our sponsors:
Raymond James Investments
Massillon Aerie, Eagles Post #190
Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths, and Doughtery Co. L.P.A.
Mastertech Auto
Bates Printing