When Harriet Tubman set about the mission of rescuing enslaved families and friends using a network of allies and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad, I bet she would never have imagined that she would become one of the most celebrated figures in American history.  Over a century later the American icon and abolitionist continues to make headlines.

In the past twelve months alone, it has been announced that not only will Tubman be immortalized on the small screen in WGN America’s hit series “Underground,” but she will also be replacing Andrew Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill.  As recently as March 7 of this year, a newly discovered rare photo of Tubman inspired the Harriet Tubman Home to launch a crowdfunding effort to raise money toward its purchase.  As we lean into Women’s History Month, Tubman’s work as a freedom fighter, humanitarian, leader, and liberator is never to be forgotten.

In continuing with this trend, the National Park Service and the Maryland Park Service announced the Grand Opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, MD that took place Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12.  Opening festivities included National Park Service Centennial Poet Laureate, Dr. Sonia Sanchez, and Harriet Tubman re-enactor Millicent Sparks.  Visitors also participated in a Harriet Haikus & Creative Writing Workshop and a simulated Underground Railroad journey around the legacy garden lead by Historian Tony Cohen of the Menare Foundation.  The visitor center houses an exhibit hall, museum store, information desk, and research library.

The center located at 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek. Daily visiting hours are 9-5 pm.

Photo credit: Maryland Department of Natural Resources