The Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park is the perfect historical site to visit to learn about the deep history of the underground railroads, the first known free black community, and the establishment of the Sandy Spring Quaker settlement. While the park’s main attraction is the Woodland Manor, with its classic Federal-era architecture, on your way up to the house, you can enjoy the Underground Railroad Experience Trail for a whole immersion experience of the park’s historic past.
Underground Railroad Experience Trail – Guided Group Hike
On this two-mile-long hike, students will be transported back in time to experience the same trails that 19th-century freedom seekers and residents of Montgomery County used. Students will be given the challenging task of avoiding detection as they navigate nature to scavenge for food, find shelter, and survive. This experience is suitable for most ages and includes a visit to the Woodlawn Museum.
Manor House and Museum – Guided Tour
For students in the 9th grade or higher, the guided tour of the Woodlawn House and Museum is highly recommended. Located within the iconic stone barn, travel back to 19th-century Maryland and discover the manor’s rich and significant history during the Federal era. As they walk through the house, students will hear about the story of the Palmer family, who lived on and worked the farm for over a century.
Through the museum, students will learn more about past residents, hear stories recounted by both free and enslaved members of the black community, learn about the Underground Railroad, and get to know the Quaker experience.
Both the guided hike and museum tour can be experienced through the bundled Day at Woodlawn package, and a self-guided tour option is also available with a scheduled booking two weeks in advance.
You are Invited to the Party!
As a quarterly event, Woodlawn Manor hosts an educational tea party in the Woodlawn parlor. Enjoy an assortment of English tea sandwiches, fresh fruits, and pastries, and learn a bit more about the Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.
For November’s “Tea’s the Season” party, be introduced to high tea etiquette and bring home a lovely self-made winter lantern. Get involved in February with Woodlawn’s “Black History Month” tea party. At this party, learn about the many freedom seekers who helped define history. Join lecturer Diana Klein of the Josiah Henson Museum and Park and learn about Josiah Henson, a local author, abolitionist, and freedom seeker.
