Governor Larry Hogan – Official Website of the Governor of Maryland

Month-long celebration spotlights Maryland freedom fighters

Annapolis, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today proclaimed September 2022 as the 4th Annual International Underground Railroad Month in Maryland. The month recognizes the importance of the Underground Railroad and everyone involved, for its contribution to the eradication of slavery in the United States and as a cornerstone of the more comprehensive civil rights movement that followed. Maryland also continues to honor 2022 as “the year of Harriet Tubman” to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Tubman’s birth.

“It is an honor for Maryland to share the stories of the heroes of the Underground Railroad with the world in any way possible,” Governor Hogan said. “This month, International Underground Railroad Month, is a way to encourage everyone to visit historic sites and attractions and participate in special events, so we can continue to commemorate the visionary fighters of the freedom and those whom they have saved.”

As Tribute Month coincides with “Harriet Tubman’s Year” in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has created a new collection of experiences highlighting the Bay’s impact of Chesapeake and surrounding waterways on the Underground Railroad passengers called, The Hidden Chesapeake: Slavery and Freedom Through the Eyes of Harriet Tubman.

“With nearly 100 locations statewide, Maryland is uniquely positioned as the most powerful Underground Railroad storytelling destination in the world,” said Secretary Mike Gill of the Maryland Department of Commerce. “Visiting museums and attractions and participating in special activities this month honors the brave men and women who participated in Maryland’s contributions to freeing slaves.”

Maryland has the most documented successful escapes using the Underground Railroad and the most National Park Service National Underground Railroad System sites to freedom. A range of sites offer permanent Underground Railroad exhibits and experiences, including the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, the Visit Hagerstown Underground Railroad Walking Tour, the African American Heritage Guide to Southern Maryland , the Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass Driving Underground Railroad Driving Tour of Maryland. Round.

International Underground Railroad Month events, exhibits and activities include:

• “Araminta with Rifle and Veveby Joyce Scott. A new 10-foot temporary bronze sculpture of Harriet Tubman will greet visitors as they enter the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis (September 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023)
• “Underground Railway Walking Tour.” Join a ranger from the Harriet Tubman Underground Railway National Historic Park on a free walking tour of Cambridge city center and learn the stories of the Underground Railroad and the people associated with Harriet Tubman’s life. (September 3, Cambridge)
• “We walk with Harriet History Walks.” Narrated historical tours in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties that include walking, sailing, and horse and buggy rides. (September 3-5, September 24-26, led by the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center)
• “Glimmer of hope.” A new 12ft bronze sculpture by Harriet Tubman, created by Wesley Wofford Sculpture Studio, will be dedicated to the Dorchester County Courthouse, a former site of slave auctions and a daring escape to freedom designed by Tubman in the mid-1800s. The ceremony will take place during the annual Resilience Day event. (September 10, Dorchester County Courthouse, Cambridge)
• “Birdwatching on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.” Join Harriet Tubman Tours and Delmarva Birding Weekends for a guided, self-guided tour. Learn about the life and times of the famous freedom seeker and human rights activist known as “Moses of his people” and see some of the best bird and bald eagle sightings on the east coast the United States. (September 14)
• “Emancipation Celebration.” Celebrate Harriet Tubman’s decision to self-liberate with programs and activities throughout the day. (September 18, 2022 at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, Church Creek)
• “The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad.” A new immersive multimedia exhibit examines the role of the physical railroad in the Underground Railroad network and provides an intimate look into the lives and journeys of 27 people who sought freedom from slavery along the B&O. (September 24, free reservations required for timed entry, B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore)
• “Joseph Holston: Color in Freedom, Journey Along the Underground Railroad.” Renowned contemporary artist Joseph Holston brings his graphic power and vision to create a powerful imaginary journey along the Underground Railroad. More than 50 paintings, engravings and drawings evoke the courage and tenacity of enslaved peoples fighting for freedom. (Opening September 24, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown)

To plan your trip along Underground Railroad month and to learn more, visit https://www.visitmaryland.org/UGRR.

To learn more about the Tubman Byway, download the comprehensive audio guide with new AR/VR experiences, or request a free copy of the map and route guide. Share the highlights of your trip on social media using the hashtag #MDinFocus and #Tubman200.

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