Montgomery Parks' 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 the weekend of November 3 – 5 to celebrate Maryland Emancipation Day at historic sites throughout the county! Hike on the Underground Railroad, tour 1800s log cabins, visit a museum dedicated to the legacy of slavery, enjoy living history demonstrations and eat great food! Park events on Saturday and Sunday are FREE, unless otherwise noted, and open to the public.

This schedule is subject to change. Current items are a placeholder until September.

• Friday:
  • Special Night Hike: Voices of the Underground Railroad (Friday, Nov. 4; 7-9:00 p.m.) $5, Registration Required.
• Saturday
  • Underground Railroad Experience Trail Hikes (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) at 9 am, 9:30 am, and 10 am (no registration required)
  • Woodlawn Visitor Center Open House at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 10 am – 4 pm
  • Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park | Live Music and Demonstrations, 12 pm – 4 pm
  • Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery | Open House, 11 am – 3 pm
  • Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center | Tours & Demonstrations, 10 am – 4pm
• Sunday
  • Underground Railroad Experience Trail Hike (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) at 10 am (no registration required)
  • Woodlawn Visitor Center Open House (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park), 10 am – 4 pm
  • Josiah Henson Park | Open House, 12 pm – 4 pm
  • Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center | Tours & Demonstrations, 1 pm – 4pm