Howard County Maryland Visitor Guide 2023 - Magazine - Page 20
BLACK HISTORY
IN HOWARD C OU NT Y
Throughout Howard County, you’ll
discover landmarks, museums, and
heritage sites showcasing Black culture,
history, and the road to freedom. From the
Underground Railroad and the Network
to Freedom, to Civil War Trails sites and
The Simpsonville Freetown Legacy Trail,
there are many ways to learn about Black
history in Howard County.
Start your exploration at the Museum of
Howard County History in Ellicott City,
home to the county’s complete collection
of historical records and artifacts. They offer
a mixture of educational programming,
including interactive exhibits and engaging
lectures–most notably, about people
who escaped from slavery and those who
helped them reach freedom along the
Underground Railroad.
Located in the former Harriet Tubman
School, Howard County’s only all-black
high school from 1949-1965, The Harriet
Tubman Cultural Center commemorates
the history and significance of the school’s
legacy, and the impact of African Americans
in Howard County and beyond.
The Howard County Center of African
American Culture in Columbia is another
excellent museum dedicated to the
“collection, preservation, and interpretation
of African American history and culture
in Howard County.” The museum is home
18
to a library, research center and unique
artifacts, including belongings of Harriet
Tubman, one of America’s most well known
abolitionists. Although she was enslaved,
Harriet Tubman helped approximately
70 people escape slavery through the
Underground Railroad.
After learning Harriet’s story, set out to
see the sites along the Underground
Railroad and the Network to Freedom,
including Locust Cemetery where Harriet
Tubman hid alongside escaped slaves, and
Freetown Road, a portion of the historic
150 acres in Simpsonville given to 17
freed slaves in 1845–now known as The
Simpsonville Freetown Legacy Trail.
// Howard County, Maryland Visitor Guide
Howard County is also where you’ll find
seven sites on the Maryland Civil War
Trails, including the Ellicott City Colored
School, B&O Railroad Station, Oakland
Manor, and Savage Mill. Visiting these
meaningful places will give you a look
into the past and tell the real life stories of
freedom fighters during the Civil War.
As you explore these historic sites,
take time to recognize and honor the
hardships Black Americans endured
during this time in history, and their
inspiring perseverance and bravery as
they fought for their freedom.
HARRIET TUBMAN CULTURAL CENTER All Photos
Recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the history
of Black people in Howard County
