Historical Society Director Talks About Underground Railroad at Mentor Public Library

Kathie Purmal offered an extensive look at the Underground Railroad in and around Northeast Ohio Thursday at Mentor Public Library.

Purmal, the executive director of the Lake County Historical Society, spoke to the more than 30 who gathered to hear her speak in the James A. Garfield room at the library's main branch.

Northeast Ohio was a hotbed of railroad activity as many slaves used the Grand River as jumping off points for ships sailing to Canada, Purmal said. Ohio had 20 different routes heading north from the Ohio River all seeming to converge in or around Lake County..

Many in the crowd had listened Purmal speak before. One woman in particular was very vocal and said, “We never miss one of these. There’s so much to learn about in this part of Ohio.”

Purmal also spoke on the Lake County Historical Society’s recent move from Kirtland Hills to a larger area in Painesville Township.

By moving, the society gained more land, as well as the former county poor house and other century old buildings on the acreage.

“This is an exciting time for the society. We have been growing and are proud to bring forums like these to the residents of Lake County and the surrounding area,” Purmal said.