Stories of Underground Railroad Heroes Come to Life this February
The park, located in Dorchester County, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and houses an exhibit hall, immersive displays, a gift store and an information desk. Throughout the month, the park’s expert staff and special guests will lead special programs to honor the life and legacy of Maryland native Harriet Tubman and the struggle for freedom that she embodied.
Each Friday – Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 – programs will begin at 10 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. with a ranger-led introduction highlighting the symbolism of the park and visitor center. At 2 p.m., the program, “Fighting for Freedom: Lewis Hayden and the Underground Railroad,” includes screening of a National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom movie.
Each Saturday – Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 – includes a full day of varied programs:
– “The Park in Pictures” takes place at 11 a.m., with Ranger Harris discussing what makes an image timeless and meaningful. Attendees should bring a camera or device with camera capabilities, creativity and a sense of humor.
– “The Instrumentalities of War” at 1 p.m. with Ranger Nwakudo explores the ways that wars in Africa impacted the culture and identity of those involved with the slave trade.
– “The Songs of Enslaved People” at 2 p.m. involves guests in learning about the songs used by Harriet Tubman and other freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Participation is not required but it is heavily encouraged.
On Feb. 9, Tubman biographer and scholar Dr. Kate Clifford Larson will be speaking about Tubman’s strong faith and spiritual influences and how they can be interpreted for the 21st century. “This Far By Faith: Harriet Tubman’s Spiritual Journeys to Freedom” takes place at 3 p.m.
Each Sunday – Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 – programming begins at 11 a.m. with “Story Time with Mama Mary,” exploring the concept of self-liberation through engaging storytelling and self-reflection with Ranger “Mama Mary” Dennard. Also on Sundays (except for Feb. 17), “Important Women in Harriet Tubman’s Life” begins at 3 p.m. exploring the lives of three influential women in Tubman’s life: her mother, the author of her first biography and a famous women’s suffragist.
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center, soon to begin its third year of operation, has hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors from 70 countries and territories and all 50 states. This state-of-the-art, green facility is managed in partnership with the National Park Service.
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MD DNR