Opened in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center's mission is to reveal stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, challenging and inspiring everyone to take courageous steps of freedom today. A history museum with more than 100,000 visitors annually, it serves to inspire modern abolition through connecting the lessons of the Underground Railroad with today's freedom fighters. The center is also a convener of dialogue on freedom and human rights. 

The Freedom Center works to reveal stories of freedom heroes from both the era of underground railroad and current era. It also works to educate visitors about American history and the struggle of slaves to achieve their freedom. This is done through a tour of exhibits and displays of a timeline history.