Honoring the past, shaping the future: OHIO alumnus leads efforts to preserve Underground Railroad sites

Marty Conley speaks at the dedication ceremony outside of the Quinn Chapel AME Church

On June 4, 2025, Ironton marked the beginning of a major regional preservation effort. The former Campbell House and Quinn Chapel AME Church were officially recognized by the National Park Service’s , honoring their roles in the Underground Railroad and setting the stage for similar recognitions across the tri-state region.

The dedication ceremonies were part of the , a nine-county project supported by a POWER Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The initiative highlights 27 sites in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia that played a role in helping enslaved individuals find freedom.

At the center of the effort is Marty Conley, a 2019 graduate of with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management, and Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Director. Conley has guided the project from its earliest stages, securing funding, coordinating partners and keeping the focus on telling the region’s full story.

“This initiative is about more than plaques,” said Conley. “It’s about honoring the people who stood on the side of justice, preserving their legacy and making sure future generations know the truth about what happened in our communities.”

Conley’s leadership has brought together historians, local governments, nonprofit partners and universities – including – to elevate untold stories of resilience and resistance.

Preserving the story of the Campbell House

Marty Conley speaks at the dedication ceremony outside of the Campbell House

The first marker was unveiled at the former home of John and Elizabeth Campbell, known abolitionists who opened their Ironton residence to freedom seekers in the mid-1800s. Their story was brought to light through research led by Dr. Andrew Feight.

“The Campbell House, built in 1850, was part of a vital interracial and interfaith network that stretched across Lawrence and Jackson counties,” he said. “The Campbells worked with both Black and white allies, providing critical shelter and transportation to those seeking freedom. Their courage and commitment now stand as a permanent chapter in our nation’s history.”

Susan Taylor, a graduate of �� Southern with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, performed the National Anthem and later joined Kristen Martin, a fellow graduate, for musical selections throughout the morning. Nicole Cox, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society, unveiled the official marker, which now includes a QR code linking to expanded digital content for visitors and researchers alike.

Mayor Sam Cramblit, a graduate of �� with a bachelor’s degree in political science, issued a proclamation recognizing the home’s significance and the Campbells’ enduring legacy.

“This site is a reminder that freedom was fought for not only on battlefields, but also in living rooms and back roads right here in our community,” he said.

Closing the ceremony, Conley reflected on the collaborative effort that brought the recognition to life.

“We’ve had historians, grant writers, university partners and community leaders all working toward this," Conley said. "This is what happens when people come together to tell the truth.”

Faith, courage, and legacy at Quinn Chapel

Chris Saunders speaks at the dedication ceremony outside of the Quinn Chapel AME Church

The second ceremony took place at Quinn Chapel AME Church, founded in 1856 and long recognized within the community as a sanctuary for both worship and freedom. The church’s founders, including Retta and Gabe Johnson, played a pivotal role in organizing a coordinated network of support for those escaping slavery through the Hanging Rock Iron Region.

Local historian Chris Saunders delivered the historical reflections at Quinn Chapel, describing how the congregation created what Johnson once called a “systemized road” to freedom. Saunders, who leads Hidden Stories: The Underground Railroad, a community education workshop at �� Southern, emphasized the church’s impact on both local and national history.

“This isn’t just a local story,” Saunders said. “It’s a national one, and it’s been hiding in plain sight.”

Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, representing the Third Episcopal District of the AME Church, reminded the crowd that the church’s legacy of liberation is rooted in unity.

“A piano has black keys and white keys, and it takes both to make music,” Wicker said. “We must play together to honor the harmony that brought us this far.”

Mayor Cramblit also issued a proclamation honoring the site and emphasized that Ironton’s future is stronger when it embraces its past.

“This is about lifting up that legacy and ensuring it’s never forgotten,” he said.

��’s role in community engagement

Student Services Director Robert Pleasant, Dean Dr. Deborah Marinski, Community Programming Coordinator Teresa Smith, and Communication & External Relations Manager Sarah Simmons in front of the Campbell House — �� Southern Student Services Director Robert Pleasant, Dean Dr. Deborah Marinski, Community Programming Coordinator Teresa Smith, and Communication and External Relations Manager Sarah Simmons are shown in front of the Campbell House after the dedication ceremony.

The dedication events also highlighted �� Southern’s ongoing role in fostering regional collaboration.

Robert Pleasant, director of student services, was recognized for his leadership in organizing the university’s annual Culture and Heritage Festival, which will return June 14 as part of the broader heritage tourism effort.

“�� Southern is proud to support projects that bring together community, culture and learning,” Pleasant said. “These stories shape how we see ourselves and how we move forward together.”

Making history visible and accessible

Each designated site will feature a custom marker with photos, historical context and a QR code linking to an online archive of research materials and oral histories. With 25 more sites planned, the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative is building a public trail of remembrance that connects communities through shared storytelling.

“This work is not just about the past,” said Conley. “It’s about what kind of region we want to be. We’re reclaiming our story, honoring the courage that came before us, and making sure the truth is visible for all who come after.”