Maryland Emancipation Day

Join us to celebrate Maryland’s Emancipation Day this October and November 2022! Events will take place throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Maryland. All events are open to the public in person at various historic sites.

Maryland Emancipation Day Events

Freedom’s Footsteps

October 28-30 | Josiah Henson Museum and Park| 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join us in a weekend celebration of Josiah Henson’s emancipation.

Deeply Rooted: A Community Conversation

November 3 | Ridgeley Rosenwald School | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

“Deeply Rooted” explores the complexities of discovering the family lineage journey for Marylanders. This conversation led by Gwendolyn Bankins, Aisha Jenkins and Kyle Reeder invites guests to learn about their family connections to former sites of enslavement and the historic Black communities that arose from their legacies. Free. 

Adam Francis Plummer Artist Talk and Portrait Unveiling 

November 4 | Riversdale House Museum | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Registration is required for this event

In Celebration of Maryland Emancipation Day join the Riversdale House Museum for the unveiling of a new portrait of Adam Francis Plummer, created by artist Chanel Compton. Enjoy a talk and reception with the artist as we celebrate this new permanent addition to the museum’s collection. This visual representation commemorates the legacy of Adam Francis Plummer, the hardships he faced while enslaved at Riversdale for over 45 years, and the resiliency of the Plummer family through emancipation.

This project was made possible with the support of the Riversdale Historical Society and grant from Maryland Milestones. 

Maryland Emancipation Day Freedom Quilt Square Making

November 5 | Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Join quilting master, Mrs. Kyna Clemons in completing our “Freedom Quilt” by creating your own quilt squares, archaeological hands-on activities, hearth cooking demonstrations and guided tours.

Master storyteller, Gordon Parks presents traditional African folk tales, 2:00 – 3:30pm.

Underground Railroad Guided Hike 
November 5 | Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Registration Required

Woodlawn Museum Open House
November 5 | Woodlawn Museum | 10 am – 4:00 pm | Guided Tours

Maryland Emancipation Day at Thomas Harper Cabin
November 6 | Thomas Harper Cabin | 1:00 pm -4:00 pm | Free

Commemorate Maryland Emancipation Day at Harper Cabin with living history presentations by the Female Reenactors of Distinction (FREED), traditional African American folktales by master storyteller, Renee Emanuel and musical performances by Linda Harris.

Stay tuned for more information about these events at HistoryInTheParks.org