Erie Yesterday
Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum

Historic Underground Railroad terminus in Ashtabula

1603 Walnut Blvd., Ashtabula, OH
About

The Hubbard House UGRR Museum in Ashtabula, Ohio, is housed in the 1841 Greek-Revival home of William and Katharine Hubbard, a pivotal stop on the Underground Railroad. Visitors will explore evocative rooms, artifacts, and narratives of freedom-seekers who passed through the Western Reserve on their journey to Canada. The museum invites all to reflect on courage, resistance and the enduring legacy of abolitionism

Offerings

Guided Historic Home Tours

Explore the restored 1840s residence filled with period furnishings and hear the stories of how the Hubbards sheltered freedom-seekers.

Underground Railroad Exhibit

A dedicated exhibit detailing the local network of safe-houses, the routes to Lake Erie, and the role Ashtabula County played in helping hundreds of escaping slaves.

Civil War & Americana Collection

Military artifacts, maps, and photographs from the Civil War era and turn-of-the-century Ashtabula help contextualize the broader struggle for freedom and the local community’s history.

Junior Docent / Educational Program

Young volunteers receive training to serve as docents, engaging the next generation in preserving and interpreting the story of this museum.

Things to Do
  • Guided tour of the 1840s Hubbard home
  • Visit the hidden-room/escape-route story exhibits
  • View of the Civil War memorabilia & local artifacts
  • Junior-docent led special tours
  • Gift shop browsing (books, wooden toys, posters)
Plan Your Visit
  • Free admission (donations appreciated)
  • Tours typically held Saturdays & Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day (1 pm & 3 pm)
  • Group and off-season tours available by appointment
  • Located at 1603 Walnut Blvd., Ashtabula, Ohio
  • Gift shop on-site with history books, posters and quality educational toys
  • Free parking nearby and accessible by local roads (confirm ahead for large groups)
  • Suggested time allocation: approx. 60-90 minutes for full tour + exhibits