Cincinnati History: New Museum Leadership Takes Over
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has a new president who arrived in the city this month to lead the organization through its next phase.
By Sakura Ellis ·
Glen Guyton arrived in Cincinnati on Oct. 31, and he is already active in the local community. He took the helm of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as president and chief operating officer in October.
The museum is currently in a transition period. Woody Keown Jr., the outgoing president, will retire at the end of the year. Guyton will work alongside Keown until that date. This handoff marks a change in leadership for the institution dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad.
Guyton is a Houston native and an Air Force veteran. He holds a degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Before coming to Cincinnati, he served as the executive director of Mennonite Church USA from 2018 to 2026. He and his wife have visited Cincinnati on previous occasions, including for events he helped organize.
The new president emphasized the center's role in interpreting history. He stated that the organization must understand the past while also looking toward the future. He noted that recent events have shown the need for continued effort in these areas. He described himself as a Gen Xer who previously thought these issues were settled, but now recognizes the ongoing work required.
Visitors can currently view the exhibit Witness to the Journey, which is set to close soon. The center offers community free days to lower the barrier to entry. The most recent free day occurred on Nov. 8, featuring a spoken word performance at 10:30 a.m. Additional free days are scheduled for Dec. 6, Dec. 20, and during Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth in 2027.
During a public appearance on The Lincoln Ware Show, Guyton addressed questions about the museum's portrayal of slavery. When a caller asked if the exhibits show the full extent of historical evils, Guyton invited him to visit and keep the dialogue open. He cited Nehemiah 4:6 to describe the center's approach. He pledged to partner with the community rather than act alone, stating that the work is a collective effort.
