The City of Springfield’s Global Education and Peace Network held a Global Education speaker Thurs. 6:30p.m. in Shouvlin 105.
There were several board members from Gammon House and also several from The City of Springfield at the event.
Member Nancy Flinchbaugh began with an introduction and said the purpose of the Global Education and Peace Network was to create a global community by celebrating and learning about other ethnic groups, cultures and religions.
“Our goal is to build awareness in global and ethnic cultures. Also, we have programs of different faith traditions, especially after 9/11,” Flinchbaugh said.
The Global Education and Peace Network has hosted this calendar and speaker series for 17 years; each month they have a new speaker to celebrate the global community and each year there is a theme.
This year their theme was practicing and spreading kindness around Springfield.
Dale Henry from the Gammon House spoke on the Gammon House and The Underground Railroad program for the event this month.
Henry said the purpose of the Gammon House was to prevent the home from being demolished, renovate the Gammon House to improve it and focus on the education of African American culture.
“We’re truly about building bridges and we certainly want to encourage them and recognize diversity in our community,” Henry said. ” The Gammon House Board is currently engaged on programing and preserving the house and celebrating African American culture in our community, as well as celebrating the Gammon family.”
Henry said the renovation took 17 years and included: new roofing, stabilizing the masonry, new flooring and ceiling systems, installing mechanical and electric systems and other changes.
Located at 620 Piqua Pl. in Springfield, the Gammon House was built and owned by George and Sarah Gammon in 1850. It was used as a safe spot for runaway slaves and is one of just three existing Ohio stops on the Underground Railroad owned by free African Americans.
The Underground Railroad was a secret system for slaves to escape, it was often used at night and was most prominent in the winter time.
Henry said they eventually want to have rotating exhibits, bring in the community and educate them.
According to Henry, currently the Gammon House only offers tours by appointment, but they are looking for volunteers to expand their hours and grow programming for the public .
If interested in volunteering or touring the Gammon House contact Henry at (937)244-2754 or by email at henrydale77@gmail.com.
