The pioneers who established communities in the same area brought with them the stories of their ancestors even as they created their own.
The travelers, and those who helped them, along the Underground Railroad encouraged one another with their stories of hope as they passed through the southern Ohio area.
[1] Various venues have been used over the years, in addition to the historic Majestic Theatre, to accommodate thousands of school children that attend the festival.
The locations have included the Stevenson Center library, Bennett Hall auditorium and the Shoemaker Center gymnasium at the Ohio University-Chillicothe Branch, a tent at the Pump House Art Gallery in Yoctangee Park, 30 East Main Street, the J.A.
Past performers include Bill Harley, Carmen Agra Deedy, Donald Davis, Elizabeth Ellis, Connie Regan-Blake, Sheila Kay Adams, Bobby Norfolk, Bil Lepp, Antonio Rocha, Len Cabral, Kate Long, Lyn Ford, Kevin Cordi, Bill Harley, Andy Offutt Irwin and Jim Flanagan.