It took two and a half years and over 18 hours of footage to complete, but “What is Blackfork?” will have its premier today at Union Baptist Church following the Sunday services.

Dennis Lambert was a student studying at Ohio University Southern and working on his own research about the Underground Railroad in Southern Ohio when he took Dr. David M. Lucas’ “Communication and the Campaign” class.

Lucas was in his second year of research in the Blackfork area and was on the hunt for a safe harbor that was spoken about in hushed tones from the locals.

The story was a cave had a hole carved into it so slave hunters could be watched and repelled from capturing their quarry along the Underground Railroad lines that came through Lawrence County.

Students including Lambert, Joe Bass and Chris Hayes found the Window Rock Fortress on Valentine’s Day in 2009.

The documentary is the story of the research along with the real stories told by the people who lived in the Blackfork area.

“The rich history and culture of Blackfork needs to be remembered,” said Lucas. “This was ethnically diverse community that stood apart from the rest of Southern Ohio and should be celebrated for their contributions to racial harmony.”

Lucas gained the rights to “Bits and Pieces of Blackfork” which is being edited by Dennis Lambert.

“This is a history book that tells the story of the people in their own words,” said Lucas.

“I am glad it is finally being shown,” said Lambert. “The story is just a small part of our great history in Lawrence County, something we need to be proud of.”

Union Baptist Church is where Dr. Lucas began taking his students to introduce them to the community.

“It was our rally point, and the people became our ‘cultural liaisons’ who helped us get further inculcated into the community.”

The showing of the film will follow the services at Union Baptist, which begins at 10:45 a.m.