Maryland Emancipation Day Celebrations

On November 1, 1864, Maryland freed by a new state constitution all those held in bondage within its boundaries.

Join us this weekend to celebrate Maryland Emancipation Day at historic sites throughout the county! Park events on Saturday and Sunday are FREE, unless otherwise noted, and open to the public.

Schedule of Events
Friday, November 1

SOLD OUT! Special Night Hike on the Underground Railroad Trail (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
“Voices of the Underground Railroad” interpretive hike. Hikers learn about various techniques that “freedom seekers” used to elude trackers, find food, and navigate their way North to freedom. Interpretive content best suited for children 7 and up.

Saturday, November 2

Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park | 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm | FREE
Enjoy hearth cooking demonstrations, candle dipping, archaeology hands-on activities, guided cabin tours, live blues music featuring the Brian Cunningham Project throughout the afternoon, stories from the past with Anokwale – The Truth Teller, crafts, and old-fashion games for children. PARKING available 1.5 miles from the cabin at Mt. Zion Local Park, 5130 Brookville Road, Brookville.  Shuttles will provide transportation to and from Oakley Cabin 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center | Tours & Demonstrations | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | FREE
Visit the historic Thomas Harper Cabin to learn how post-emancipation African American families lived in Montgomery County. Enjoy cabin tours, hands-on activities, period games and more!
Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hikes (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | Hike begins at 10:00 am | $8.00 |  Online registration requested (Registration will also be available onsite.) “Conductors” lead round-trip, interpretive hikes of this natural surface trail from Woodlawn Manor to the historic Sandy Spring then back to Woodlawn Manor.
Woodlawn Museum Open House (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | FREE,  check in at Visitor Center (located in the Carriage House).
Explore the stone barn exhibits where echoes of the past tell the story of a bustling farm, its community, and those who made a bold bid for freedom on the Underground Railroad.
Woodlawn Manor (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park)
“History Live!” | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | $8.00 | Online registration requested.
Enjoy a living history presentation by the women of the Female Re-Enactors of Distinction (FREED) highlighting the lives of Black women during the Civil War and emancipation period.  Event held inside Woodlawn Manor.  Appropriate for ages 12 and up.  
Button Farm Living History Center | Open House, 12:00  pm – 4:00 pm | FREE
Button Farm Living History Center depicts 19th-century slave plantation life and the heroic story of the Underground Railroad through unique living history experiences. Enjoy self-guided walking tours of our farm, animals and gardens, scavenger hunt, bonfire and drinks and living history activities. 301-916-7090. DIRECTIONS: From I-270 take Exit 15B (Rte. 118 South/Germantown). Continue south on Rte. 118 / Germantown Rd. 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Black Rock Rd. Continue 1.5 miles. The farm entrance is on the right.  16820 Black Rock Road, Germantown, MD 20874
Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery | Open House, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm | FREE
Celebrate an afternoon of music and arts by Howard University’s premier Jazz Ensemble featuring AFRO BLUE. The museum will host tours of the rich history of the African American communities throughout Sandy Spring and the county.  Food will also be available for sale, provided by Caribbean Gardens.

Sunday, November 3

Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center | Tours & Demonstrations, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | FREE
Visit the historic Thomas Harper Cabin to learn how post-emancipation African American families lived in Montgomery County. Enjoy living history demonstrations, hands-on activities, period games, crafts and more!
Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | Hike begins at 10:00 am Online registration requested, $8. (Registration will also be available onsite.)“Conductors” lead round-trip, interpretive hikes of this natural surface trail from Woodlawn Manor to the historic Sandy Spring, then back to Woodlawn Manor.
Woodlawn Museum Open House (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm | FREE
Explore the stone barn exhibits where echoes of the past tell the story of a bustling farm, its community, and those who made a bold bid for freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Woodlawn Manor Guided House Tour (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | Tours begin at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm| $3. (Purchase onsite at Visitor Center) Take a guided tour of the 19th century Manor House and learn about the longest property owners the Palmer family, the grounds and outbuildings and the agricultural history of the property.Tours include exterior and interior spaces; 1st floor is ADA accessible. Appropriate for ages 7 and up.