WHEATON, Md. – Join Montgomery Parks on Saturday, June 14, 2025, to celebrate the birthday of abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Josiah Henson. The day of free activities will be held at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda.
“History matters and Rev. Josiah Henson’s story is important for people to remember,” said Mark Thorne, Montgomery Parks senior history specialist. “Although it’s been 236 years since his birth, Henson’s powerful story of resilience and his unwavering fight for freedom is a lesson for all of us.”
What: Family Day-Josiah Henson Birthday Celebration
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Where: Josiah Henson Museum and Park
11410 Old Georgetown Road
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Parking at Wall Local Park, 5900 Executive Blvd.
(Follow signs to the playground to find the walking path to the museum.)
Details: Free admission
Josiah Henson Museum and Park is located on the site of the former plantation where Henson was enslaved. His life story, told in his own words, is featured in the museum. The visitor center, museum, and historic Riley-Bolten House will be open to guests during the event.
Guests will have the chance to play lawn games and learn about the archaeological work at the site. Crafts and concessions will be available. There will also be a series of scheduled activities.
Family Day-Josiah Henson Birthday activities
All Day
- Games
- Crafts
- Music
- Food
- Sew Creative Lounge quilting table
Timed Activities
- 10:00 Film Screening “My Name is Josiah Henson”
- 10:30 Freedom Quilt Presentation
- 11:30 Story Time
- 12:00 Film Screening “My Name is Josiah Henson”
- 12:30 Guided Riley-Bolten House Tour
- 1:30 Archaeology Tour
- 2:00 Film Screening “My Name is Josiah Henson”
- 2:30 Story Time
- 3:45 Film Screening “My Name is Josiah Henson
The Rev. Josiah Henson was born into bondage in Maryland and enslaved on a plantation in Montgomery County, eventually escaping with his family to freedom in Canada. Once free, Rev. Henson became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping more than 100 others escape to freedom. He then traveled throughout the United States and Great Britain lecturing against slavery. Henson’s life story was an inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s abolitionist novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 415 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. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility
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/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
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