Elevator gives more people access to Underground Railroad home

ASHTABULA — A visit to the historic Hubbard House in Ashtabula is an even more-uplifting event, thanks to a new elevator that was unveiled Friday afternoon.

Almost two dozen people attended a reception in honor of the elevator, a $100,000 project that began in the spring, officials said. Installation of the elevator makes a Hubbard House experience possible for many more people, said Richard Dana, board president.

“It’s part of our mission to open the house to as many people as possible,” he said.

The circa 1840 residence on Walnut Boulevard in Ashtabula, in northeastern Ohio, is home to the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum. The house, built by William and Catherine Hubbard, played an important role in the Underground Railroad and was a meeting spot for anti- slavery groups.

On Friday, members of the Hubbard family said thanks to several organizations whose donations made the elevator project possible.

“We’re exceedingly grateful to all of you,” said Cissy Hubbard, who, with her late husband, Tim, worked to preserve the house and its tradition. “Now we are going onward and upward, so to speak.”

Tim Hubbard worked tirelessly to transform the house into a museum, Cissy Hubbard said.

“It was his great vision,” she said.

Rick Hubbard said the elevator project represented Hubbard House’s “first real fundraising attempt.”

“A number of people stepped up,” he said. “We appreciate everybody’s efforts.”