'Next Stop, Freedom!' spotlights Great Lakes history

NOTE: This article has been edited to include the correct date of the event. It will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Bette Lou Higgins, artistic director of Eden Valley Enterprises, will present a program entitled “Next Stop, Freedom!” at the Feb. 18 meeting of the Bay Village Historical Society.

Eden Valley Enterprises has been creating historical programs since 1977. EVE has developed more than 40 original shows, and more than half spotlight Ohio and Great Lakes history. The company has produced special programs for a number of local organizations including the Lorain County Metroparks, The Steamship William G. Mather, Roscoe Village, The Great Lakes Historical Society and the Western Reserve Historical Society.

“Next Stop, Freedom” recounts the history of Ohio as a hotbed of activity during the days before the Civil War when escaping slaves from the South traveled through the state to freedom in Canada. The storytelling program addresses the struggles along the Underground Railroad in these turbulent times.

Bette Lou Higgins has devoted her theatrical skills to relating the excitement of American and Great Lakes history through an assortment of living history programs. Higgins has a M.Ed. from Cleveland State University and a BA in theatre from Baldwin Wallace University.

All are welcome to attend the Feb. 18 program and potluck dinner free of charge. The historical society provides the main course. Guests are asked to bring a side dish for 10 to share and their own place setting. Reservations can be made by phoning Doug Gertz at 440-554-6355 or Cathy Flament at 440-835-4472. Donations are accepted to help defray program costs. The potluck dinner is at 6 p.m., followed by the presentation at the Bay Village Community House, 303 Cahoon Road.