Imagine community choirs from across the Tristate singing on both sides of the Ohio River lit by candles and lanterns.

        Now imagine those choirs taking a symbolic journey across the river from Kentucky to Ohio on a sail barge, retracing the steps of slaves running for freedom.

Rigaud

        Next, imagine national entertainers, dignitaries and government officials joining hands and singing hymns and patriotic songs with local residents.

        That is just a glimpse of pomp and flair planned to commemorate the June 10 groundbreaking of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the banks of the Ohio River.

        Freedom Center officials will announce details about the community groundbreaking at 3:30 p.m. today during a rally at the Swifton Commons Mall in Bond Hill. The $65 million museum is scheduled to open in 2004.

        “For the last six years I have devoted every waking hour preparing to make the Freedom Center a reality,” said Ed Rigaud, president of the Freedom Center. “We are now at the point where we need the full support of the community in this effort.”

        The groundbreaking ceremonies will take place 7-10 p.m. and will include a minifestival, food and craft vendors and family-oriented entertainment.

        Freedom Center officials have also lined up a host of well-known celebrities. Officials were tight-lipped Saturday about who was invited, but said the celebrities' names would be released periodically between now and June 10.

        Today's rally, which is open to the public, will feature entertainment from choral groups at Woodward and Holmes high schools.

        Freedom Center officials are also expected to make a call for community choirs interested in being a part of the mass choir that will perform at the June 10 ceremony. A call will also be put out for teachers and students interested in making quilt patches for “freedom quilts.”

        Construction on the five-story, 158,000-square-foot museum is expected to take 18-24 months. Freedom Center officials estimate the museum will draw 450,000 visitors during its first year of operation.

        The museum will be devoted to telling stories of freedom beginning with the Underground Railroad by utilizing interactive exhibits, film, environmental theater, artifacts and forums. It will be the largest museum dedicated to the underground railroad.

        The museum will be located between Vine and Walnut streets on the riverfront.

        The Freedom Center will also be the hub of a national network of Freedom Station affiliates focused on research and programs that use history to promote cooperation today.

        About $75 million of the project's $110 million capital campaign goal has been raised.

       If you are interested in volunteering for the Freedom Center, call (513) 412-6900.

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