Brightside: Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park

MARYLAND – Juneteenth is celebrated annually to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. In honor of the upcoming holiday, this week’s special edition of the Brightside, brought to you in part by Choptank Electric, WMDT spoke to Rangers at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park who are helping keep truth and legacy alive on the shore.

Compassion For Community 

June 19, 1865, finally put an end to the Civil War and gave a new beginning to enslaved Africans. Seasonal Ranger Stephanie Willett is new to Cambridge, but not new to the black struggle and the legacy Harriet left behind. “This visitor’s center is really a treasure. It’s a treasure for all Americans, particularly African Americans, because as you know there are things that are going on now that would have you believe that we are not important to the history of this country. It’s all of our history and it’s very important.”

She says we need to know from whence we came. And though now celebrated as a joyous holiday, freedom, wasn’t an easy journey. “Juneteenth is a day of emancipation and freedom, and we know that freedom is something that we all value, and Harriet’s legacy was built on faith, freedom, and community… She did what she did in the moment because it was the right thing to do, and she was inspired spiritually to do that. And so, that’s what we need, more selfless compassion for each other.”

Fear vs Freedom

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park Ranger Joanna Trojanowski says with over 13 trips back and forth, more than 700 enslaved blacks were freed with 100 of those joining the Union Army, she is a prime example of how looking on the bright side, can inspire a nation.

“The journey to freedom was a very treacherous journey, it was dangerous. So, Harriet Tubman being able to come back and help lead her friends and family to freedom was a tremendous act of bravery… After the fugitive slave act of 1850, the northern states were no longer safe so Tubman would bring folks all the way to Canada.”

Despite despair they had dignity, and in the midst of fear, gained their freedom. After too many dark days, Stephanie says Harriet knew brighter ones were ahead. “Harriet’s story can continue to teach us, despite how painful and tragic it was. She had no reason to do what she did, if she was just thinking of herself, and for me, that’s the inspiration. Is that she selflessly poured into the future and we all need to me grateful.”

Honoring History 

Joanna says because of the large piece she played in the ultimate abolition of Slavery in the U.S.; the state of Maryland showed their gratitude by ultimately giving her the title she deserved. “Harriet Tubman was a nurse, a scout, and a spy in the civil war, and she also led the Combahee River Raid in June of 1863… They posthumously commissioned Tubman as a Brigadier General. So, her work in the Civil War didn’t always get the acknowledgement that it deserved, but now we can proudly call her a General.”

Keeping the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman and the underground Railroad alive is no easy task, but an important one, and both Joanna and Stephanie agree this facility keeps the current generation is empowered, encouraged, and most importantly, educated.

Stephanie says while the railroad was kept underground, the history shouldn’t be. “Her spiritual quest for betterment of not just herself, but for all of us, was her inspiration. And if we could all just pour into the future, the way that Harriet did, I think we’d be much better off as a people.” Stephanie believes her people will continue to look for brighter days in the future.

For more information about the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman’s Legacy, you can visit the National Historical Park in Cambridge at 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or visit their website.