MOUNT VERNON – Master Storyteller and amazing speaker, Dr. Annette Jefferson returns to the Chautauqua/Lyceum stage this coming Thursday May 1 to share the oral histories of those who made the hazardous journey along the Underground Railroad to freedom in the North. Wondering where to hide, who to trust, how to survive and not get caught as that was a fate worse than death.
Mount Vernon has many tunnels and safe houses that were used to aid these people as did many Ohio towns and brave, religious, conscious driven people, unknown heroes for this cause. Dr. Jefferson will share the stories of blacks, some of whom may have passed through this area on their flight to Canada where it was safer to life without a whip at your back and then the courage of those who returned to help others in the same situation.
This event will be held at ThePlace@TheWoodward [111 S. Main Street] in downtown Mount Vernon on May 1 at 7 PM. Doors open at 6 PM at this first floor, wheelchair/walker/stroller friendly facility and is brought to you on a donation basis by Elixir with the support of the Rolls-Royce Charities/Civics Fund and Ariel Foundation. Speaking of Elixir, the trio based in Mount Vernon, they will be opening the program with their unique blend of music, history and humor.
For information on this and other programs in the Chautauqua/Lyceum Series, the only year round Chautauqua style programming in the United States, call 740-392-6102, visit www.elixirpresents.com or www.VisitKnoxOhio.org.