On our most resent trip to Washington DC for a Charity project, we were fortunate enough to be invited on a side trip to visit a museum in Maryland that is dedicated to Harriet Tubman. It is located in what appears to be a quaint little town but the underlying history is deeply rooted in slavery. We were introduced to two very dedicated tour guides that also volunteer at the museum. They would like to get the word out about their tour company and their towns history so that is why we were there, to help them create advertising for their company. But once they started showing us around Madison, Maryland I forgot why I was there, got completely lost in thought and found out a lot, through what was explained to me and pure observation. There are signs posted all around town that explain different historical events and places that Harriet Tubman frequently visited and resided. Most of the historical buildings are in disrepair and moments from the wind knocking them down. Some signs were actually riddled with bullet holes. Hidden, forgotten history!
There was a gravesite behind an abandoned church that displayed some of the only African American tombstones of that time, five belonging to Harriet Tubman relatives. We also came upon two houses (shacks) behind a residential home that housed slaves. They were considered nice! They stand as they were, an amazing representation. They can't be torn down because of historical laws but with no interest in preservation or help they may fall down on their own soon.
There is so much to be seen around this country and I hope that Chris and I are able to capture some of this for you to see.
I thank Christine, a Harriet Tubman reenactor, for invited us and Alex and Lisa Green, the tour guides, for showing us a powerful piece of history.
