Josiah Henson Museum | Montgomery County

The Josiah Henson Museum and Park, located in North Bethesda, Maryland, is a historically rich site dedicated to preserving and interpreting the life, legacy, and impact of Reverend Josiah Henson-an African American abolitionist, minister, author, and former enslaved person whose experiences significantly influenced the abolitionist movement and inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s seminal novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Historical Background and Significance

Josiah Henson was born into slavery in 1789 in Maryland. He escaped bondage and became a leading figure in the fight against slavery, ultimately founding the Dawn Settlement in Ontario, Canada, a community for formerly enslaved people seeking freedom. Henson’s personal narrative, detailing his struggles and triumphs, became a powerful testament to the realities of slavery and the quest for freedom in the 19th century.

The museum and park are situated on land that includes the former Riley-Bolton plantation, where Henson was enslaved in his youth. This location grounds the visitor experience in the authentic physical and cultural landscape that shaped Henson’s early life.

Museum Features

The site is composed of several key elements designed to provide a comprehensive, immersive educational experience:

Visitor Center and Orientation Film: Upon entering, visitors are introduced to Josiah Henson’s story through a 12-minute documentary film titled My Name is Josiah Henson. This film offers an engaging overview of his life, including his enslavement, escape, abolitionist work, and later years as a minister and author.

Riley-Bolton House: The former plantation house where Henson lived as an enslaved child now serves as the main museum building. Inside, exhibits explore the history of slavery in Maryland, Henson’s personal narrative, and the broader context of African American life during the 18th and 19th centuries. The displays combine artifacts, interpretive panels, and interactive media.

Log Kitchen (circa 1850): This reconstructed outbuilding provides insight into the daily lives of the enslaved individuals who worked on the plantation. Audio recordings recount the perspectives and stories of enslaved people, bringing a human dimension to the historical interpretation.

Archaeological and Outdoor Exhibits: The four-acre park surrounding the museum contains landscaped grounds with picnic areas and shaded walking paths. Interpretive signage highlights archaeological discoveries made on-site, including artifacts that reveal the living conditions and cultural practices of those who lived there. These outdoor spaces provide a reflective environment that connects visitors physically to the history of the land.

Educational Programs and Outreach

The Josiah Henson Museum and Park is deeply committed to education and community engagement. It offers a variety of programs tailored to students, educators, and the general public:

History-in-the-Box: A portable, interactive program aimed at grades 4–8, designed to bring the story of Josiah Henson and the Underground Railroad into classrooms through hands-on activities, storytelling, and historical context.

Guided Archaeology Tours: Expert-led tours explain recent archaeological work at the site, revealing how scientific methods help uncover and preserve the stories of enslaved people.

Foodie Fridays: Cultural events that explore historical foodways connected to African American history, linking past culinary traditions with contemporary conversations about food justice and heritage.

Special Events: The museum regularly hosts commemorations, heritage celebrations, lectures, and workshops that emphasize African American history, the abolitionist movement, and local community history.

Visitor Information

Location: The museum is located at 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, MD 20852. It is easily accessible by car, with parking available at the nearby Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center and limited accessible parking at the museum itself.

Hours: The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Admission Fees: Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children ages 6 to 17, and free for children under 5. Active-duty military and their families receive free admission during designated periods under the Blue Star Museums program.

Accessibility: The site is generally accessible, with accommodations available for visitors with mobility challenges.

Impact and Legacy

The Josiah Henson Museum and Park serves as a crucial cultural and historical resource, preserving the memory of one of Maryland’s most influential African American figures. Through its combination of authentic historic structures, engaging exhibits, and dynamic educational programming, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of slavery’s legacy, the fight for freedom, and the ongoing quest for social justice.

The museum’s location on the grounds where Henson was once enslaved lends a profound authenticity to the visitor experience, encouraging reflection on the resilience and humanity of enslaved people. It stands not only as a memorial to Josiah Henson himself but also as a tribute to all those who endured and resisted slavery.

Summary

The Josiah Henson Museum and Park offers an immersive, detailed exploration of an extraordinary life and a pivotal era in American history. It combines historical architecture, multimedia exhibits, archaeological interpretation, and community programming to illuminate the complex realities of slavery and abolition. The site educates and inspires visitors, connecting them intimately to Josiah Henson’s story and the broader narrative of the fight for freedom and equality in the United States.