July 2, 2009

Ted Strickland
Governor

MEMBERS
The Hon. Tyrone Yates
Ohio House of Representatives
Otto M. Budig, Jr. 77 South High Street, 13th Floor
Chairperson
Columbus, OH 43215
Barbara S. Robinson
Vice Chairperson

Craig A. Marshall, CPA Re: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Secretary-Treasurer

Caprice H. Bragg Dear Representative Yates:

Adam K. Brandt
I’m writing to update you on a recent meeting between Commission Executive Director
Joan Dearth Kathy Fox and Commission staff, and representatives of the National Underground
William A. Erdos Railroad Freedom Center.
Craig Weise
State Architect
During the meeting, Freedom Center officials disclosed the status of their discussions
regarding the possible transfer of the Freedom Center property to the federal
David Wilhelm government, if legislation is approved designating the Freedom Center as a museum
celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation. The legislation, which is pending
EX-OFFICIO introduction in Congress, would mark the upcoming 150th anniversary of the
MEMBERS
Emancipation Proclamation and calls for a national museum dedicated to the issue.
Bill Seitz Rather than build a new museum, the federal government would instead utilize the
Ohio Senate
Freedom Center to fulfill the legislative intent. Daily operations would still be handled by
Tracy Maxwell Heard Freedom Center management in Cincinnati, but the new arrangement would provide
Ohio House approximately $4 million annually in operating funds.
Julie S. Henahan
Ohio Arts Council Our staff stated that in order for the transfer to take place, the Freedom Center would
need to assign the Commission’s lease to the federal government. The federal
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR government would need to agree to the assignment, and the Commission would need
Kathleen M. Fox, FASLA
to approve the transfer. The Commission has agreements with the federal government
for other projects, so this should not pose any significant issues.

We further expressed that the Commission will do what it can to support this course of
action for the Freedom Center.

Should you have any questions or need any additional information, please feel free to
contact me at jfagan@culture.ohio.gov or (614) 995-7552.

Sincerely,

Jessica Fagan
Communications Manager