Discover Delmarva: Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
CAMBRIDGE,Md- The Eastern Shore of Maryland is home to some of the richest history — such as the underground railroad. Harriet Tubman – one of the most prominent conductors of the railroad – spent her childhood in Dorchester County. The Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center honors her legacy and offers interactive experiences for visitors. We met up with Linda Harris, The Executive Director of the Museum, to learn more. “Her story is an American story. It’s a story about someone who started with nothing- she was enslaved. And She went on to do amazing things. So I like people to put themselves in that position. What would you do?”
The chronicle display as you enter the museum, details some of the most profound members of the underground railroad. From William Still, Frederick Douglas, and Harriet Tubman, who all have local ties to the area. Still and Tubman had numerous interactions during many of her journeys returning to the south to help slaves escape to their freedom to the north. To this day, many people across the shore can find a direct line to some of the most recognizable figures of the underground railroad, according to Harris. “There are tons of descendants here. There are people here who carry these last names, both African American and white. And I let people know you may- if you’re from here, you undoubtedly have a connection to the underground railroad.”
Moving through the museum, you’ll find an assortment of murals and portraits depicting Tubman. From charcoal, chalk, and computer enhanced portraits – all of these pieces come as donations to the museum with a high level of craftsmanship. On display, there are also artifacts along the wall from the area and some of Tubman’s personal belongings to detail her story. Their back room features an important mural Harris uses to tell a pivotal moment in Tubman’s life. “This mural is the Bucktown store where she gets hit in the head at age 13. It changes the trajectory of her life. So to be in here, I make the story come alive.”
This breathtaking mural transports you visually into the store where the motivation and courage Tubman finds is discovered. After being struck in the head from an iron weight while trying to assist a runaway slave, This gave lifelong episodes of narcolepsy, but it didn’t stop her from helping people find their freedom. Harris believes nothing else brings this history to life like walking along the underground railroad. “So people can come here and book a walk- I will walk them from downtown Cambridge; it’s all very historic. Past the court house where her grandmother was enslaved. To long wharf where the slave ships came in thats at the choptank river.” They also offer a rock through the countryside to the Bucktown store, which has stood since 1820. Continuing to tell this important part of our history here on the shore.
Harris says she loves telling the stories at the museum and during their walks. They have big plans for renovations and new interactive experiences coming soon. To plan your visit and for their operating hours, you can check out their website.
