SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Salem Historical Society’s Freedom Hall now …

Special to The Vindicator | published: August 3, 2015

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR Salem Historical Society’s Freedom Hall now has a secret hiding place, replicating those used in Salem to help fugitive slaves on their journey to freedom in Canada. The addition was the idea of Jerry Laska, education coordinator, and Lou Ranieri and Mike Wargo, society volunteers, built it. Third-graders of Reilly School were the first to view the secret room, enhancing their understanding of how escaping slaves were helped by Salem abolitionists. The museum is open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. For information call 330-337-8514. Above, Ranieri and Laska stand outside while Wargo demonstrates the hiding room.