FLUSHING — The Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing is gearing up to host Black History Month events this February.

Kristina Estle, museum director, said the museum is open by appointment only this month since there is a high demand for her to do traveling presentations. Appointments can be made online at ugrrf.org.

Estle asks visitors to schedule appointments at least one week in advance, with a 24-hour cancellation notice. Tours could take up to two hours. The recommended donation for admission is $10 per person or $20 per family, but is not required.

Thomas Buckley, a retired museum volunteer and retired history instructor at Belmont College, will be giving a presentation titled ‘Abductions of Black Civilians in the Maryland and Gettysburg Campaigns’ at noon Feb. 17.

“He’s a wonderful gentleman, and he loved history,” Estle said.

Estle will present on the Underground Railroad in Belmont County at 1 p.m. following Buckley’s presentation. She said her presentation is based on the research she did for her master’s degree thesis paper.

“It’s a fascinating tale, and there were a couple of things that I wanted to prove with my research. One was that conductors of the Underground Railroad were not only white, but they were also black. I also wanted to prove that every town in Belmont County, during that time period, had a station on the Underground Railroad,” she said.

Estle said she is glad to be collaborating with Buckley for the presentation.

“The Civil War is his (Buckley’s) area of expertise, not mine. So that’s why we paired together very well, but I’m very excited about Tom’s presentation. I think it’s going to be very interesting,” Estle said.

Food and beverages will be provided during the event, and attendees can come and go as they please. Following the presentations, there will be a question-and-answer session that attendees can participate in. The event will also feature a scavenger hunt for children, along with a prize for those who complete it.

Estle said the museum also hosts monthly book club meetings as part of its ‘Let’s Talk Race’ program.

“We are looking for new members to join. It’s open to the public, and it’s a virtual discussion,” she said.

This month, the book club will be discussing “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Feb. 20.

Estle said the book club meetings are always on the third Tuesday of the month. She said anyone interested in joining the virtual book club meetings can send her an email at kristina.estle@ugrrf.org.

“People really don’t understand how much history there is with the Underground Railroad and with slavery in this area. Even though it’s very hard history, it is very important history, and even though it is Black History Month, we celebrate black history all year round,” Estle said.

“Black history is American history. We strive to educate the public on these histories to foster an acceptance of diversity in different ethnic groups. It is very, very important in this area. We believe that this acceptance stems from comfort in discussion. Once you can discuss the topic, then you’re more willing and open to be educated on the topics, and that leads to broader minds opening the mind. Black history is such a fascinating subject, and there’s a lot to learn,” she said.

Estle said businesses or other organizations can sponsor a free Saturday or school field trip for $500. She explained that sponsors can choose a Saturday to have the museum open to the public with no donation expected, or they can sponsor a field trip for a school of their choice.

“The Underground Railroad Museum is a nonprofit, so we’re continually seeking donations from the public. We operate off of visitors’ donations, and that is how we keep our lights on. The winter is always a difficult time for us, and thank goodness for Black History Month being in February because it’s a good opportunity to get out there and be promoted,” Estle said.

Anyone interested in donating to the museum or sponsoring a free Saturday or school field trip can contact Estle or the museum.

Estle said the museum is also looking for volunteers for both weekdays and weekends. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Underground Railroad Museum can email Estle at kristina.estle@ugrrf.org.

Estle said the Underground Railroad Museum has three floors and over 8,000 items.

The museum is located at 121 High St., Flushing. For more information, call 740-391-3135 or visit ugrrf.org.