HARRIET TUBMAN MUSEUM AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER

Keeping the Flame Alive

“Take My Hand” mural on the Harriet Tubman Museum

The Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center is one of the oldest community organizations dedicated to the memory of Harriet Tubman. Over the past three decades, their efforts have included memorials to Tubman, tours to significant sites associated with her life, museum exhibits, educational programming, celebrations, and community outreach. The museum building features a powerful and moving mural of Harriet Tubman, completed in May 2019, that has attracted attention from around the country.

Founded in the mid-1980s, the Harriet Tubman Organization is dedicated to preserving Tubman’s connection to the local community and to helping young people see Tubman as a role model. The museum hosts numerous programs throughout the year, including an annual memorial banquet in March. The organization’s members have inspired community action and encouraged interpretation and research into Harriet’s life and legacy. Inside the museum, visitors will find exhibits and resources. Volunteer members of the organization answer questions and provide information on Harriet Tubman and the region. Step-on guided tours of area sites associated with Harriet Tubman are available by appointment. The museum has a gift shop and literature about area attractions.

424 Race Street

Cambridge, MD 21613-1836

410-228-0401

harriettubmanorganization.com

GPS Coordinates: 38.569293,-76.076925

Open Tuesday-Friday, 12-3pm; Saturday 12-4pm

The Harriet Tubman Organization, Inc. is a community-based association located in Cambridge, Maryland.  It had its early beginnings in 1983 when a committee was founded to assist the Trustees of Bazzel United Methodist Church in Bucktown, Maryland, in planning a three-day activity in memory of Harriet Ross Tubman.

In the early days before the founding of the organization that would become the Harriet Tubman Organization, local historian, Addie Clash Travers, was the lady to contact about Harriet Tubman.  Locals were given directions to “Ms.” Addie’s home to those seeking information about the legacy of Harriet Tubman in Dorchester County.  Her interest in Harriet Tubman was well received by family members.

Addie Clash Travers persuaded others to celebrate the Harriet Tubman legacy at Bazzel Church in Bucktown.  She was joined by members of the Rev. Richard D. Jackson family in her endeavor.  The event was called Harriet Ross Tubman Day, which became an annual activity.

The Harriet Tubman Organization began as the Harriet Tubman Association of Dorchester County, which was founded September 24, 1972 at the home of Rev. Blanch Bailey.  Russell Bailey and his wife opened their home at 1032 Pine Street, Cambridge, Maryland to support the early work of co-founders Addie Clash Travers and Rev. Edward Jackson, as the Harriet Tubman Committee.

The Harriet Tubman Committee was organized January 31, 1983 at Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church, Cambridge.  Persons present were Addie Clash Travers, Richard Bailey, Woodrow A. Pinder, Elaine Bennett, Myrtle Cromwell, Elsie M. Pinder, Louise Stanley, Rev. Edward Jackson, Mary S. Elliott, Rev. Edwin Ellis, Marvel Travis, Linda P. Wheatley and Loretta P. Young.

The goal of the founding members was to develop a community cultural center.  The center would provide services to the community and address the needs of children through cultural, educational, social, economical and historical activities.  The center would also preserve and promote the life of Harriet Ross Tubman.

In 1996, the Board of Directors voted to change its name to the Harriet Tubman Organization, Inc.  This change more accurately reflects the group’s vision for the future and its revised mission.  The mission of the Harriet Tubman Organization is to develop programs and services for children and families and to preserve the history and memory of Harriet Tubman by offering the general public an interpretive history of her achievements.  This mission includes acting as an advocate for the children, youth and families and promoting historical preservation.

NOTE: This museum is different than the new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, which opened in March 2017 in Church Creek, Maryland, about 20 minutes from downtown Cambridge. Find out more about the Tubman Visitor Center. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/tubman.aspx

Location: 4068 Golden Hill Rd., Church Creek, MD

Hours: 9 to 5pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Admission: Admission to the visitor center is free, but donations are welcome