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Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman—Underground Railroad conductor, abolitionist, Civil War spy and nurse, suffragist, and humanitarian. Born into slavery in early 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman rose above horrific childhood adversity to emerge with a will of steel. Owing her success to unique survival techniques honed in the forests, fields and marshes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Tubman transcended victimization to pursue lifelong dreams of freedom, equality, and justice. Named Araminta, or “Minty,” by her parents[...]

Myths & Facts About Harriet Tubman Myth: Harriet Tubman rescued 300 people in 19 trips. Fact: According to Tubman’s own words, and extensive documentation on her rescue missions, we know that she rescued about 70 people – family and friends – during approximately 13 trips to Maryland. During public and private meetings during 1858 and 1859, Tubman repeatedly told people that she had rescued 50 to 60 people in 8 or 9 trips. This was[...]

Before the Civil War, Harriet Tubman repeatedly risked her life to guide more than 70 enslaved people from Maryland’s Eastern Shore into new lives of freedom. She was deeply rooted in values of family, faith and community and dedicated her life to humanitarian causes and continually fought for freedom. Discover Harriet Tubman in her homeland at the HARRIET TUBMAN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD VISITOR CENTER near Cambridge. The center is located within the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad[...]

Hundreds of freedom seekers risked their lives to escape from slavery in Maryland. Full of courage and inspiration, more people successfully fled from bondage in Maryland than from any other state. Their heroic stories are plentiful and riveting and are told through the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom sites and through programs and tours that share freedom seekers’ struggles and triumphs. Here you can discover the real Underground Railroad and find out why Maryland[...]

At the Crossroads of Conflict In the spring of 1861, as the Civil War broke out and divided the nation, Maryland braced itself for battle. Living near the Potomac River, the conflict’s pivotal border between North and South, Maryland’s citizens would witness the brutality of the war firsthand. The long clash engulfed homes, towns and livelihoods, leaving its mark here and in the area’s many battlefields. Local citizens, though divided by conviction, were united by[...]

Pet-Friendly Maryland Parks may be the obvious destinations that come to mind when you imagine spending a day with your dog. Fortunately Maryland State Parks offer many pet-friendly options. In some cases, pets are allowed in undeveloped sections of parks. Other parks allow pets in day use and picnic areas, but not on the beach. Check the DNR website about the park that interests you. Maryland State Parks also offer guidelines for responsible pet ownership[...]

Ask the question, “Who is John Wilkes Booth?” today and you’ll get answers like “villain,” “murderer,” and “assassin,” but if you’d asked the same question prior to the dark day of April 14, 1865, you would have received a very different answer. Born in Bel Air, Maryland, Booth was charming, wickedly handsome, the scion of a famous acting family, and one of the brightest stars of American theater. Booth was the ninth of ten children[...]

The experience of outdoor movies allows viewers to enjoy food, drink and good company in a variety of casual settings while seeing the stars "under the stars." Here are locations in Maryland that offer outdoor movies, many of them are free. In some instances, viewers can purchase food and drink on-site. Please check individual location websites before heading out for the most up-to-date information. EASTERN SHORE Movies on the Beach Families can gather for a[...]

When it comes to ice cream, Maryland is full of firsts. First ice cream on the continent? Check. Governor Thomas Bladen served up the sweet, creamy treat way back in 1744 (it was strawberry, if you’re wondering). First commercial sales of ice cream? Check again. A Baltimore milkman by the name of Jacob Fussell began the commercial selling of ice cream in Baltimore in 1851, and we’re still leading the way with the Maryland’s Best[...]