Salem Festival will have UR tours

Special to The Vindicator

SALEM

People can go back in time during a historic tour of the city and sites along the Underground Railroad.

The tour is part of the 2011 Salem International Festival, which is Friday and Saturday. The Salem Historical Society is hosting the tour aboard the Quakertown Trolley at 4 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Jeanne Martinelli, docent of the Salem Historical Society’s Freedom Hall, will dress as a Quaker and tell stories of the city’s involvement with the Underground Railroad, the plight of slaves and the abolitionist movement before the Civil War.

Salem was an important stop along the Underground Railroad, an escape network of routes and safe houses that helped escaped slaves on their journey to freedom.

A slide show on the trolley will give participants a glimpse inside the homes and hiding places on the route. It will show pictures of abolitionists who were active in the city.

The tour lasts one hour and costs $10 per person. Seating is limited; reservations are encouraged. To reserve a spot, call Mary Ellen Mayo at 330-337-3035. Additional tours may be added.

The city’s international festival takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday. It will include international food, children’s activities and vendors. Entertainment will include a performance by The Maidens IV, an Irish singing and dancing group; a concert by German musicians; a Salem Community Theater performance; a “Meet the Quakers” event; and a performance by Mike Hemmelgarn, a comedian, juggler and ventriloquist.

A parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday. The theme is “Celebrating Salem’s Heritage and Freedom.” Veterans and groups have been invited to join the parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II.

The festival is sponsored by Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and its Retail and Business Association.