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Hudson Library & Historical Society

The Hudson Library & Historical Society is a primary research facility in Northeastern Ohio for regional and local Hudson area history, including a sizable collection relative to famed abolitionist, John Brown and the Underground Railroad.

In the summer of 1832, Western Reserve College and the community of Hudson, Ohio was torn asunder by the abolition versus colonization debate. This debate was especially heated and precipitated the removal of the college administration. It also caused a split in the Hudson Congregatonal Church, which fostered the birth of the Free Congregational Church of Hudson, Ohio with John Brown's father, Owen Brown, leading the newly formed church. Hudson's history as an abolitionist town was further bolstered as several nationally known advocates such as Frederick Douglass often came to Hudson to speak or visit with the Brown family.

Hudson's extensive collection also includes various church records, property records, individual letters, abolitionist tracts, numerous period newspapers and other first person accounts that both attest to local Underground Railroad activity or help provide vital clues and connections for further research. Hudson also cherishes documents donated by Brown family descendants and collections from other abolitionists such as Beriah Green and Elizur Wright Jr.

Visitor Information: Currently not open to public.

Location: 96 Library Street, Hudson, Summit, 44236

National Park Unit: No

Ownership: E. Leslie Polott, Director

Location Type: Facility

Religious Denominations: Congregational