National Underground Railroad Museum

Founded and organized in the fall of 1994 as the Mason County Underground Railroad Museum and African American Research Center, the museum opened Sunday Feb. 5, 1995 in the Visitors Center on Third Street near the Simon Kenton Bridge. A small one room museum, the museum was part of the National Park Service International Field Study to promote preservation of UGRR history.  In June 1995, the museum was incorporated as the National Underground Railroad Museum Inc.  and is a 501(3)c not for profit.

The Bierbower Home, situated in the hillside of Maysville’s downtown historical district, is the site of the National Underground Railroad Museum. It once served as a safe house, where slaves were hidden beneath the floor boards for safety.

Here you can discover the owners of this remarkable home, the Bierbower family. Descendants of German immigrants, who had left the abolitionist state of Pennsylvania in 1837 to settle in the slave-holding frontier lands of Kentucky in the busy river town of Maysville, where they became successful local entrepreneurs and international history makers.

These friends of justice aided the fugitive slaves, who had made the decision to lift the chains of oppression.

The Bierbower sons fought in the Union Army as officers, one of which led the 124th Colored Infantry.

Retrace the footsteps of countless fleeing African slaves as you travel the countryside of Mason County Kentucky, one of Kentucky’s most notable historic routes to freedom along the path that became known as the Underground Railroad.

The Bierbower House is a documented Safe House. Servants Quarters remain with Hidden Slave Chambers. Exhibits of Slavery artifacts, documents and memorabilia documenting Maysville’s role in the abolitionist movement and the role of slavery in America. The museum also features the Bierbower Room, the Ripley (Ohio) Room and a room dedicated to African American Religion, featuring the Rev. Elisha W. Green. Visit the National Underground Railroad Museum in Mason County to learn all about the Underground Railroad, the culture of slavery and how many found freedom.

The National Underground Railroad Museum is typically open Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10am to 3pm. Other days by appointment.