Archaeologists Make Tubman Discovery
Maryland Department of Transportation archaeologists have discovered the cabin of Ben Ross, Harriet Tubman's father, on land near the park that is part of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Archaeologist Dr. Julie Schablitsky and her team found numerous artifacts dating to the 1800s, including nails, brick, glass, dish fragments, and even a button.
"[Harriet] would've spent time here as a child, but also she would've come back and been living here with her father in her teenage years, working alongside him," said Dr. Schablitsky. “This was the opportunity she had to learn about how to navigate and survive in the wetlands and the woods. We believe this experience was able to benefit her when she began to move people to freedom." Read the full press release online here.
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Park Store Now Open!
Our park store has reopened to offer visitors a variety of books and souvenirs to commemorate their visit. The store is open Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Items may also be purchased from the online store.
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New Video Series Explores the Tubman Story
Have you run out of shows to stream? The National Park Service, working with the Maryland Park Service, has released "Tubman Talks: A Journey Revisited," a new educational video series. While in-person interpretive programs mostly remain on pause, these videos provide visitors with bite-size programs.
The nine videos focus on many aspects of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, including an overview of the park, a trip to historic Webb Cabin, Tubman's military service, her experience in the outdoors, her deep faith, the Network to Freedom program, her secret communication network, the park's staff, and a closing message. The videos were a collaboration between National Park Service and Maryland Park Service staff, and were edited by NPS Park Guide Lawson Nwakudo. You can watch the videos online.
Tubman Rangers Graduate Ranger School
High schools and colleges aren't the only schools having graduation ceremonies this spring! Maryland Park Service Rangers Cierra Maszkiewicz and Jeff Parenteau, both working at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, recently graduated from Ranger School. The six-month program, held online and in-person (while socially distanced) at New Germany State Park (left) in Grantsville, taught the fundamentals of being a park ranger, with classes on everything from giving public programs to first aid to directing traffic. Ranger Parenteau was selected by his peers to receive the Ranger Award, which recognizes "scholarship, leadership, and achievement."
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Unless otherwise noted, events are held rain or shine, free and fun for all ages; donations are always welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather/activity, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check for ticks.
Please call 410-221-2290 for additional information or to register.
 Annual Pass Available for Purchase
$75 for Marylanders; $100 for out-of-state visitors
Our annual State Parks and Trails Passport grants unlimited day-use admission and boat launching at state parks, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
To enhance convenience and value, this year's pass will arrive in a self-contained packet with a detachable hang-tag, and will be valid for a full year from the month of purchase.
Our network of 75 state parks include more than 900 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique water access and camping facilities.
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