In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Harriet Tubman and the fifth anniversary of its opening, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to a series of free, family-friendly programs during the weekend of March 12-13.
The park, located near Harriet Tubman’s birthplace in historic Dorchester County, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and houses an exhibit hall, immersive displays, a museum store, and an information desk. Throughout this celebration weekend and for the rest of the year, the park’s expert staff known as “Team Tubman” are hosting special programs to honor the life and legacy of the abolitionist and suffragist.
In addition, throughout March the park will display numerous artifacts from Tubman’s life, -- many in public for the first time -- including the receipt from a midwife for Tubman’s birth, Tubman’s “runaway” advertisement, and items recovered from the site of her father Ben Ross’ cabin, which was recently discovered at the nearby U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and excavated by Maryland Department of Transportation archeologists.
 Kick off the weekend celebrations by joining Adkins Arboretum and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park for the virtual premier of Rooted Wisdom: Nature's Role on the Underground Railroad on Friday, March 11. Rooted Wisdom: Nature’s Role in the Underground Railroad is a film that chronicles the experiences of freedom seekers’ journeys through the wilderness. The documentary film will stream live at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 11 at naturesrole.org. The virtual event is free and open to all, though registration is encouraged. A panel discussion with historians and filmmakers will follow. Following the premier, the film will be shown in the park's multi-purpose room every hour at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., throughout the celebratory weekend. |
Programs and events scheduled for the anniversary weekend include:
Saturday, March 12, 2022
10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony featuring a living history interpretation by Millicent Sparks performing as Harriet Tubman
11 a.m. – The Discovery of the Ben Ross Homesite
Hear from Dr. Julie Schablitsky of the Maryland Department of Transportation about the successful effort to locate and excavate the homesite of Ben Ross. The artifacts are on display for the first time at the Visitor Center for the entire month of March.
12 p.m. – Foraging Freedom: Experiencing the Natural World of the Underground Railroad
Join an interactive walking tour with historian Anthony Cohen through the Legacy Garden and adjacent Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Participants should expect to be on their feet and are encouraged to wear comfortable all-weather shoes.
1 p.m. – Jubilee Voices at Harriet’s House
Hear the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices during the Tubman 200th festivities. Jubilee Voices is an ensemble that is committed to the preservation of African American history and traditions through songs and storytelling.
2 p.m. – The Education of Harriet Ross Tubman
Kate Clifford Larson, a Tubman biographer, discusses the free and enslaved people who helped raise, protect, nurture, and educate Minty to become the woman we know as Harriet Tubman.
3 p.m. – Designing a New Place to Experience History: An Exploration of the Architects
Listen to Chris Elcock, associate principal of the architecture firm GWWO Inc., as he explains the design process behind creating the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center
12 - 3 p.m. – Children's
Crafts
Join park staff at the back of the event tent to enjoy children's crafts.
Sunday, March 13, 2022
10 a.m. – Meet Harriet Tubman
Living history interpreter Millicent Sparks performs as Tubman and shares her monumental life with audience members.
11 a.m. – The Hidden Chesapeake Through Harriet Tubman’s Eyes
Kate Clifford Larson, a Tubman biographer, shares about some of the places around the Chesapeake Bay that bear witness to the histories, memories, and legacies of the Underground Railroad and its most famous conductor.
12 p.m. – The Chronicles of Adam
A powerful and inspirational first-person historical interpretation of an enslaved man by the name of Adam.
1 p.m. – The Legacy Hour
Hear from community members and enjoy musical selections from Renna McKinney as we honor the lives of Donald Pinder and Herschel Johnson. During the second half hour, become inspired by Tina Wyatt, great, great, great grandniece of Harriet Tubman as she shares “A Letter to Soph.”
2 p.m. – The Legacy of Slavery in Maryland
Chris Haley of the Maryland State Archives presents a general overview of slavery in Maryland, which will include examples of records specifically related to the state and to counties of the Eastern Shore and how both the enslaved and free were affected by the ‘peculiar institution.'
3 p.m. – Freedom Bound
Join public historian and historical interpreter Marvin-Alonzo Greer in this family-friendly program with interactive songs and stories.
12 - 3 p.m. – Children's
Crafts
Join park staff at the back of the event tent to enjoy children's crafts.
Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
Please call 410-221-2290 for additional information or to register.
