education backpack learningstation
Did you know that your browser is out of date? We no longer support Internet Explorer 7. To get the best possible experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade your web browser. These are the most popular web browsers: Begin your child’s early education today in an environment that nurtures positive relationships, encourages participation, and supports well rounded development of the young child. The Learning Station Child Development Center provides limitless and guided opportunities for your child to accomplish his or her developmental milestones while building a foundation of strong character and values. Your child will grow and learn in an environment that supports social responsibility, respect for self and others, and a lifelong love for adventure and discovery. Each day is a new adventure backed by our individualized curriculum, experiences are developed with your child’s needs in mind! Our hands-on approach to learning nurtures the whole child.
See our colorful classrooms, meet our wonderful teachers, and friendly administrative staff, and witness the difference. A great opportunity to have questions answered and a must for enrollment! It is important to me that the teachers have such a willingness to adapt/adjust to our sons needs. They have early drop off activities to make transition easier. I value Jake’s safety and he loves Bubba the rabbit. I love that the teachers and directors are always available to talk.” ~Laura A., Nurse Anesthetist, Mother of Jake A. Kids have so much fun at The Learning Station Child Development Center. See what they’re doing... [ VIEW MORE PHOTOS ]The Junior League of Columbus opened the Underground Railroad Learning Station at the Kelton House Museum & Garden in 2002. Visitors learn through interactive presentations about the abolitionist movement and the struggles of escaped slaves and those who assisted them. Thousands of school children and adults visit the Learning Station each year.
A typical visit to the Underground Railroad Learning Station includes: Tour of the Kelton House Visit to a recreated hiding place for escaping slaves Dramatic re-telling of Martha and Pearl Hartway's experiences with the Kelton Family during their escape to Canada or other story of an Underground Railroad experience Activities to reinforce visit A visit to the Underground Railroad Learning Station reinforces specific requirements of the Ohio Proficiency Test. Volunteer Opportunities There are many ways to be a part of the Underground Railroad Learning Station and you do not need to be a member of the Junior League of Columbus to volunteer. The History of the Kelton House and the Underground Railroad The Kelton family was sympathetic to the abolitionist cause and assisted fugitive slaves on their road to freedom. The Underground Railroad was a route for runaway slaves from the southern plantations north to freedom in Canada. Runaways were guided by a “conductor,” a friend who knew the area and would help the slaves reach the next station.
In Central Ohio, the Underground Railroad route went north from the Ohio River through Chillicothe to Circleville, Columbus, Worthington, and Westerville, and then north to Lake Erie and on to Canada. The Kelton House was one of several safe houses or stations along East Town Street in Columbus. Columbus had steadfast supporters both for and against slavery. Fernando Kelton and his wife Sophia believed slavery was wrong and did all they could to aid runaways. This was dangerous work because it was against Ohio and U.S. law: Anyone caught hiding slaves, giving them food or clothing, or helping them flee north risked six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Yet the Keltons persisted. Fernando Kelton was a station master/conductor on this road to freedom. The Kelton House has been authenticated as a stop on the Underground Railroad through the oral history of the Kelton and Lawrence families. In 1864, Sophia Kelton found Martha and Pearl Hartway, who had escaped slavery in Virginia, hiding in the shrubbery at the Kelton home.
Sophia took the girls in and gave them temporary refuge. Because of Ohio’s Black Laws and the threat of slavecatchers, both girls wanted to continue north to freedom in Canada, but Martha was too ill to travel and so she stayed in the Kelton home. Martha was raised and educated as one of the family for the next 10 years until her marriage to Thomas Lawrence, a free black carpenter from Cadiz, Ohio, who worked for Fernando Kelton. Kelton family members continued a supportive relationship with the Lawrence family. The Keltons employed Thomas for 37 years. Martha and Thomas Lawrence bought property for their first home at 69 N. 17th Street, from Col. James Watson, husband of Ella Kelton. They had two children, Arthur Kelton and Sarah Ella. Giving their older child the Kelton family name illustrated the close friendship that existed between these two families. Arthur Kelton Lawrence learned to read from books passed down from Frank Kelton. Arthur Kelton Lawrence went on to become both a pharmacist and physician;