Step inside the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, and witness history come to life. The Hubbard House, also known as Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and The Great Emporium, was once an end point of The Underground Railroad. Today, the home serves as a fascinating museum that allows visitors to explore Ashtabula’s role in helping slaves find freedom. Read on to learn how to make the most of your visit to this one-of-a-kind museum. For those who want to dive deeper into Ohio’s history, view our free Geneva-on-the-Lake Vacation Guide. Our guide is full of recommendations on museums, historic sites, art galleries, and more.
Your Guide to the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum
About the Historic House & Museum
The historic Hubbard House was built in the mid 17th century. It was once home to William and Katharine Hubbard, a husband and wife who provided food, shelter, and clothing for fugitive slaves who had escaped the antebellum South.
Today, the house is fully furnished with period pieces from the 1840s and historic Ashtabula County pieces. Tours of the home and its many rooms are available throughout the year during regular museum hours. In addition, you’ll find two fascinating exhibits to explore.
Museum Exhibits
The Hubbard House is home to The Underground Railroad Exhibit and The Civil War Americana Collection.
In the Underground Railroad Exhibit, you’ll learn about how the Ashtabula community helped fugitive slaves stay safe in their journey to freedom. The county was home to over 30 known Underground Railroad stations, and the majority of them are still standing today. During your visit, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about the spiritual music that slaves used to convey secret messages to one another.
In The Civil War Americana Collection, you’ll encounter countless military artifacts from The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and The Civil War. In addition, you’ll also find photographs and memorabilia that showcase Ashtabula at the turn of the 20th century.
Helpful Information for Your Trip
The Hubbard House operating hours are Friday through Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. During the off-season, tours of The Hubbard House are available by appointment.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children ages six to 16.
If you’d like to purchase a souvenir after your museum tour, stop by the museum’s gift shop. Here, you’ll find books on the Underground Railroad, quality wooden toys, and more.
The Best Place to Stay
After a day of exploring the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, head home to The Lakehouse Inn. Join us for dinner at Crosswinds Grille, reminisce the day, and recount all the fascinating things that you learned about Ashtabula’s history. Afterward, settle in for the night in The Sturgeon Suite. This cozy accommodation features an electric fireplace, a one-person jetted tub, and one queen bed.
Complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine tasting are just a few amenities to enjoy during your stay with us. When you are ready to plan your next vacation, check our seasonal specials and book your getaway. We look forward to hosting you soon!
If you are looking for another way to explore Ashtabula’s rich history, read our blog on Lake Erie lighthouses!