UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Sites are in jeopardy because of funding

The new Freedom Center received contributions.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- A state organization that works to restore and preserve sites along the Underground Railroad says it's struggling for funds, in part because of the new museum devoted to the secret network that helped slaves escape north to freedom.
More than 400 sites are in danger of disappearing because the Ohio Underground Railroad Association has had to rely on funds from charity dinners and small donations, including from schoolchildren, said Connie Quarles, an association regional coordinator.
"There is money, but it's really hard to find," Quarles said. "Meanwhile, we lose a lot of sites."
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, which is officially dedicated today, got about 40 percent of its funding from local, state and federal government contributions. Fund-raising efforts brought in donations from companies and individuals, including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey.
The center is expected to generate $40 million a year in income and tourism-related revenues.
Government assistance
Beverly Gray, coordinator for the southern region of the Ohio Underground Railroad Association, said groups like hers can't look to the government for help.
"Believe me, if there was money, we would've gotten it by now," she said. "We have no beef with what the Freedom Center is doing, but we wish we had money, too."
Spencer Crew, executive director of the Freedom Center, said it wasn't intended to shift interest and support from programs that work to restore and preserve homes and other hideouts along the Underground Railroad.
"While we can offer history, we'll encourage people to see the Underground Railroad sites," he said.
The Ohio Underground Railroad Association's all-volunteer team has identified more than 600 sites in the state and works to document the connection of each to the slaves who fled to freedom.
Rankin House
At least one site expects to gain visibility through the Freedom Center. The Rankin House sits on a hill, close to the Ohio River, overlooking the village of Ripley.
A light in its upstairs window, lit by the Rev. John Rankin, guided slaves safely to his home, where they hid in the cellar or secret alcoves.
Winfrey visited in October to film a documentary about the village's and Rankin's role in the anti-slavery movement for Freedom Center visitors. Preservationists said they hope the film inspires people to see the home in person.
Saving sites like the Rankin House is more important than paying for another museum, said Leslie Blankenship of the Ohio Underground Railroad Association.