Board Member Interview: Thomas Jordan

Thomas Jordan

Thomas Jordan is on the Board of the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the President of the African American Genealogy Group of the Miami Valley. He is the author of Double Jordan: My Journey Towards Discovering My Paternal Ancestors. Following are edited excerpts from an interview with Mr. Jordan.

When did you first learn about the Harriet Beecher Stowe House?
I was born and raised in Cincinnati and attended Xavier University. I was aware of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House for a while. The African American Genealogy Group had a meeting there four or five years ago which is when I went there and saw everything that the House teaches.

What is one thing you have learned since becoming involved with the Harriet Beecher Stowe House?
I have learned more about the history of Harriet’s family and the Lane Seminary. The Beecher family has a lot of depth and I did not know how extensive their influence was. There is so much people don’t know about history. Cincinnati itself is full of history, some of which has been lost.

What is one of your favorite books you have read in conjunction with the House?
My favorite book I found in the bookstore is The Overground Railroad. It is about The Green Book and the author documented his trip to visit all of these locations. It gives a raw perspective on The Green Book as it relates to African American history especially during the Civil Rights Movement.

By the 1930s, the Walnut Hills neighborhood was a thriving African American business district. In the 1940 edition of the Green Motorist Book, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, then referred to as "The Edgemont Inn," was one of only a few taverns listed as safe for African Americans in Cincinnati.  Other Walnut Hills neighborhood businesses were also included. To learn more about the 20th century history of the House click here.

​Thomas Jordan believes that volunteering with the Friends of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House is an opportunity to educate oneself and others  on many topics but especially race relations and gender equalities. Learn more about becoming a volunteer here.

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