Maryland Proclaims September as Sixth Annual International Underground Railroad Month

BALTIMORE, MD (August 22, 2024) — Governor Wes Moore today proclaimed September 2024 as the sixth annual International Underground Railroad Month in Maryland. The month acknowledges the significance of the Underground Railroad, and all those involved, for its contribution to the eradication of legal enslavement in the United States and as a cornerstone for the more comprehensive civil rights movement that followed.

“The heroes of the Underground Railroad continue to have an international impact even today, and many of the stories of the Freedom Seekers center in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “International Underground Railroad Month is a way to encourage everyone to visit historical sites and attractions and take part in special events, so we can continue to commemorate the visionary freedom fighters and the perils faced by enslaved people.”

The month highlights the continuing impact and importance of the Underground Railroad in finding faith, family and freedom.

“With nearly 100 Network to Freedom experiences throughout the state, Maryland is uniquely positioned as the world’s most powerful Underground Railroad storytelling destination,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “Visiting the museums and attractions and taking part in special activities this month honors the brave men and women who were committed to freedom for themselves and others.”

A range of sites offer permanent Underground Railroad exhibits and experiences, including but not limited to: the Josiah Henson Museum & Park, the Visit Hagerstown Underground Railroad Walking Tour, the Southern Maryland African American Heritage Guide, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway Driving Tour, and Maryland’s Frederick Douglass Driving Tour.

The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism Development has released a new brochure on “Finding Freedom, Faith and Family on Maryland’s Underground Railroad.” It features a map of key locations in Southern Maryland where freedom stories began.

A full list of International Underground Railroad Month events, exhibits, and activities can be found here. Some offerings include:

• “Day of Unity and Healing” -  Experience living history demonstrations and tours, and join in conversations about historic interpretation, preservation and how communities are working together to heal. (Hollywood, Aug. 24)
• “Footsteps to Freedom: The Historic Link Between Sacrifice, Triumph, and the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement” -  Commemorate “Maryland’s Year of Civil Rights,” marking the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the annual Harriet Tubman Emancipation Day, and International Underground Railroad Month with celebrations held at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. (Church Creek, Sept. 13-14)
• "34th Annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival” - Celebrate perseverance, education, and the cultural heritage of Africans, African-Americans, and Caribbean people of African descent with live music and dance performances, world foods and artisan vendors, as well as heritage and history of the African Diaspora. (Annapolis, Sept. 14)
•  “Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway Twilight Walks and Talks” - Take a tour of several significant sites on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway and All-American Road with the Caroline County Historical Society and The Leverton/Hubbard Foundation. (Denton, Sept. 14)
•  “Harriet Tubman Day at Button Farm Living History Center” - Celebrate the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) who emancipated herself on September 17, 1849. Tubman not only claimed her own freedom but secured the liberation of others, returning a dozen times to Maryland to lead some seventy friends and family members out of bondage. (Germantown, Sept. 14)
•  “Echoes of the Enslaved 2024” - Commemorate archaeological discoveries and lasting legacies of enslavement in Prince George’s County. Experience a new museum exhibit on the lives of Black women enslaved at Darnall’s Chance. (Upper Marlboro, Sept. 28)
• “Frederick Douglass Day” - A full day celebration including a parade, welcome ceremony, children’s village, marketplace, exhibits, geocaching and entertainment. (Easton, Sept. 28) 

To plan your journey to Underground Railroad sites and to learn more, visit https://www.visitmaryland.org/UGRR. You can pick up a free copy of the byway map, guide, and new brochure at any Maryland Welcome Centers or ordered online or by calling 1-800-719-5900 to be mailed to your home at no cost. The eight centers are conveniently located along major highways throughout each region of the state and offer a wide array of additional printed brochures and guides produced by the state, county and city tourism offices, and local tourism business. Knowledgeable travel counselors are available at each location to provide personalized assistance.

To learn more about the Tubman Byway, download the audio guide complete with new AR/VR experiences.

Share your travel highlights on social media using the hashtags #MDinFocus and #UndergroundRailroad. 

About Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism

The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $19.4 billion on travel-related expenses in 2022. The Maryland tourism industry also generated $2.3 billion in state and local taxes, essentially saving each Maryland household $1,000 in annual taxes, and directly supported Marylanders with 124,000 jobs. For more information, go to www.visitmaryland.org or connect with us on our social media channels | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube 

###