The Wayne National Forest’s work to document African American history in Lawrence County and southern Ohio is being recognized today, and plans are being made to continue the work.

Monday, June 04, 2001

The Wayne National Forest’s work to document African American history in Lawrence County and southern Ohio is being recognized today, and plans are being made to continue the work.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman will present an award today to Wayne archaeologist Ann Cramer for her part in a project to research the Underground Railroad.

Cramer and archaeologists from the national forests in Indiana and Illinois will be recognized as one of 15 selected from nationwide nominations.

The three archaeologists were recognized "for innovative methods in creating employment opportunities for minority students to research the African American heritage of the Southern Tier forests and the Underground Railroad." The southern tier forests are the Hoosier National Forest in Illinois; the Wayne; and the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois.

Little is known of the African Americans who settled in southern Ohio in the early years of the 19th century, according to Cramer.

Even less is known of those seeking freedom who passed through this area, she said.

Cramer added that the forest’s work at the Payne’s Crossing and Poke Patch Settlements have uncovered some of the history of these courageous people.

"There are currently only about 20 African American archaeologists," Cramer said. "We saw this research as an opportunity to get college students excited about their heritage and perhaps interested in a career in archaeology."

Two African American students – Harold Garner and Jason Taylor – researched the southeastern Ohio settlements and their role in the Underground Railroad during the summer of 2000. Their work helped increase knowledge about local African American history.

Garner has returned this summer and will be working with two additional African American students to compile a database on the sites found on National Forest land.