Public Notice

LEGAL NOTICE:
The Mount Pleasant Underground Railroad District in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, will be considered by the National Park Service for listing in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. In 1998, legislation titled the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 was passed, creating the Network to Freedom program. This program honors, preserves and promotes the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide. Through its mission, the Network to Freedom helps to advance the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression. The program is a catalyst for innovation, partnerships and scholarship connecting the diverse legacy of the Underground Railroad across boundaries and generations. The program consists of sites, programs and facilities with a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. There are more than 700 Network to Freedom locations in 39 states, plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Mount Pleasant Historical Society and the Ohio History Connection must give an opportunity to receive comments from the community on projects affecting the existing National Register Historic District in Mount Pleasant. The Mount Pleasant Underground Railroad District is Roughly Bounded by Third St., OH-150, Main St. and Uniting St. Owners of private property within the National Register boundary are given an opportunity on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. to concur or object to the nomination in accord with National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom process. Any owner or partial owner of private property who objects to listing must submit a statement certifying that the party is the sole or partial owner of the property and is objecting. Address letters to Erin Bartlett, Director of Site System Operations, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211. Each owner or partial owner has one vote regardless of how many whole or partial properties that party owns. If a majority of the owners object to the listing of a nominated Network to Freedom District, the district may not be listed. If the property is determined eligible and listed, the Mount Pleasant Underground Railroad Historic District will be listed on the Network. The public meeting will be held at the date and time listed above at the Quaker Yearly Meeting House Historic Site at 298 Market St., Mount Pleasant, OH 43939. Representatives of the Mount Pleasant Historical Society and the Ohio History Connection will discuss the Network to Freedom nomination program and process, and answer questions. Objections or letters of support must be submitted to the Director of Site Systems Operations at the address above by July 1, 2023.
Int. May 25, 26, 2023