Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center | Ocean City

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, located near Church Creek in Dorchester County, Maryland, serves as the primary gateway to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and State Park. This center is situated on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the landscapes where Harriet Tubman lived and led enslaved people to freedom, offering visitors a powerful connection to the history of Tubman’s life and the broader struggle for freedom.

Architecture and Facility

The visitor center is a modern, thoughtfully designed 16,000-square-foot facility that meets LEED Silver certification standards, reflecting environmental sustainability and sensitivity to its natural surroundings. Its architecture harmonizes with the rural landscape of the Chesapeake Bay region, using natural materials and large windows that invite natural light while providing views of the surrounding marshlands.

Inside, the center combines educational spaces with community-focused amenities. It features a welcoming entrance lobby, a spacious exhibit hall, a research library, and areas for programming and gatherings. A large, 2,700-square-foot open-air pavilion with a fireplace and picnic tables extends from the building, allowing visitors to reflect outdoors amidst the peaceful surroundings.

Exhibits and Interpretation

The heart of the visitor center is a permanent exhibit that vividly tells the story of Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary life, her work on the Underground Railroad, and her broader role as a conductor, abolitionist, nurse, and suffragist. The exhibits include:

Interactive displays with maps, photographs, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that provide an immersive educational experience.

A short film introducing Harriet Tubman’s story, her courage, and her profound impact on American history.

Interpretive panels explaining the historical context of slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the unique geography of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Stories of the enslaved individuals Tubman helped free, emphasizing personal narratives to humanize history.

The center emphasizes the resilience and bravery of those who risked everything to seek freedom, deepening visitors’ understanding of the challenges and triumphs of the Underground Railroad.

Educational and Research Resources

The Harriet Tubman Visitor Center hosts a research library with collections focused on Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and African American history in Maryland. This resource supports scholars, students, and the public interested in deeper study.

Educational programs, workshops, and special events are regularly held to engage diverse audiences, including school groups, historians, and community members. Programs often include guided tours, talks by historians, and cultural celebrations that honor Tubman’s legacy.

Location and Surrounding Landscape

The center’s location near Church Creek is historically significant, as it lies within the heart of Tubman’s homeland and the areas she knew intimately during her youth. The surrounding landscape remains largely rural and undeveloped, featuring tidal marshes, forests, and farmland similar to what existed during Tubman’s lifetime. This setting enhances the visitor experience by providing an authentic sense of place and connection to the natural environment that shaped Tubman’s life and the routes used on the Underground Railroad.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The facility is fully accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. It offers wheelchair availability, accessible restrooms, baby changing stations, electric vehicle charging stations, and free Wi-Fi. A museum store provides books, souvenirs, and educational materials related to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

Admission to the center is free, ensuring that the site is open and welcoming to a broad audience. Operating hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with closures on Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Connection to Broader Harriet Tubman Sites

The visitor center functions as the hub for exploring the wider Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, which includes multiple properties and trail segments associated with Tubman’s life and activism. These sites preserve homes, churches, and routes critical to understanding Tubman’s story and the broader history of slavery and resistance in Maryland.

Summary

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center stands as a vital educational and cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Through its carefully designed exhibits, research facilities, and location within Tubman’s historic homeland, it provides visitors with a profound and immersive experience. The center combines historical education with natural beauty and community engagement, ensuring that Tubman’s story continues to inspire new generations while honoring the enduring spirit of freedom and justice.