WHEATON, Md. – Maryland Emancipation Day is Nov. 1; the historic moment in 1864 when Maryland’s new constitution abolished slavery across the state. Montgomery Parks invites the community to honor this important day with a series of events designed to educate, engage and reflect.
Maryland Emancipation Day events
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025:
Underground Railroad Experience Trail Guided Hike | 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Journey back in time on a guided hike along the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food and shelter on the perilous journey. Admission includes Woodlawn Museum admission. $10 adults; $8 seniors (55 and older) and children (6 to17).
Maryland Emancipation Day Celebration at Woodlawn Manor | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
Enjoy free admission to Woodlawn Museum and see exhibits on Montgomery County’s agricultural history, enslaved and free black communities, the Quakers, and the Underground Railroad. At noon, local speaker James H. Johnston will present: “Differing Historical Perspectives on Slavery in Maryland and the District of Columbia,” inside the Woodlawn Manor House. Admission is free; no advanced registration required. Limited seating available. Manor House doors open at 11:45 a.m. Free.
Maryland Emancipation Day at Josiah Henson Museum and Park | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park (parking located at 5900 Executive Blvd.)
Enjoy hands-on activities inside the Riley-Bolton House, lawn games and self-guided tours exploring the life and legacy of Rev. Josiah Henson. Adults: $7; Children (6 to17) and seniors (55 and older): $6; Ages 5 and younger: Free.
Maryland Emancipation Day at Oakley Cabin | 12 to 4 p.m.
Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park
Celebrate freedom with a jazz performance by Linda D. Harris and David Cole. In partnership with Story Tapestries, renowned storyteller Sheila Arnold brings the Washer Woman’s story to life through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities, and conversation. Explore Oakley Cabin’s rich history with our augmented reality experience tour. (Free parking at: 19801 Georgia Ave., with shuttle service running throughout the day.) Free.
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025:
Maryland Emancipation Day at Josiah Henson Museum and Park | 12 to 4 p.m.
Josiah Henson Museum and Park (parking located at 5900 Executive Blvd.)
Enjoy hands-on activities inside the Riley-Bolton House, lawn games and self-guided tours exploring the life and legacy of Rev. Josiah Henson. Free.
Maryland Emancipation Day at Harper Cabin | 1 to 4 p.m.
Brookside Nature Center
Play historic games, make crafts, and take free guided tours of Harper Cabin. Jazz artists Linda D. Harris and David Cole return to perform. Free.
Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Visit the Fall 2025 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 414 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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