On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, an essential chapter in African American history comes alive at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, which opened in March 2017 in Church Creek. Students can learn about Tubman’s daring missions to lead 70 friends and family members to freedom on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of places and people.
The center is a powerful educational resource for students to explore the history of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. It offers immersive exhibits that detail Tubman’s life, her escape from slavery, and her courageous missions to free enslaved people. Students can engage with interactive displays that provide a deep understanding of the socio-political climate of the time and the strategies used by Tubman to navigate the Underground Railroad, making it a significant destination for history and social studies education.
Guided tours are tailored to school groups, typically lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, which can be adapted to fit various grade levels and learning objectives. These tours focus not only on Tubman’s legacy but also on broader themes of freedom, civil rights, and the resilience of the human spirit. This educational experience is further enriched by the surrounding Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and the National Historical Park, which preserve landscapes important to Tubman’s life and the routes taken by freedom seekers.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the visitor center hosts special programs and events throughout the year, including celebrations for Tubman’s Emancipation Day in September, which enhance students’ learning experiences. Educational resources, including curriculum guides and activity sheets, are available to help educators integrate this field trip into their classroom activities.
