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 2

• 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 3

• Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hikes (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | 10:00 am Advanced Registration Requested, $8.
  “Conductors” lead one-way, 90-minute interpretive hikes of this natural surface trail from Woodlawn Manor to the historic Sandy Spring Friends Meeting House. Shuttle vans will transport hikers back to the Woodlawn Manor parking lot.
• Woodlawn Museum Open House (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
  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.
• Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park | 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm.
  Living history demonstrations, archaeology hands-on activities, guided cabin tours, live music, crafts, and old-fashion games for children.
• Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center | Tours & Demonstrations, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
  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!
• Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery | Open House, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
  The museum will host tours of the rich history of the African American communities throughout Sandy Spring and the county.

Sunday, November 4

• Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | 10:00 am Advanced Registration Requested, $8
  “Conductors” lead one-way, 90-minute interpretive hikes of this natural surface trail from Woodlawn Manor to the historic Sandy Spring Friends Meeting House. Shuttle vans will transport hikers back to the Woodlawn Manor parking lot.
• Woodlawn Museum Open House (Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park) | 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm.
  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.
• Josiah Henson Park Open House | 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm.
  Tours on every half-hour beginning at 12:00 noon. Last tour at 3:00 pm.  Explore the historic Josiah Henson Park and meet our archaeologists at the dig sites. Enjoy special showings of the PBS Time Team America documentary, “The Search for Josiah Henson” starting at 12:00 noon. PARKING: Available ONLY at the Shriver Aquatic Center/Wall Local Park, located two blocks away at 5900 Executive Blvd., North Bethesda.
• Harper Cabin at Brookside Nature Center | Tours & Demonstrations, 1 pm – 5 pm.
  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!
• Button Farm Living History Center | Open House, 12 pm – 4 pm.
  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