September is International Underground Railroad Month! Why September? Because it was the month that two of the most well known freedom seekers and Underground Railroad operatives, Harriet Tubman (born here in Dorchester County) and Frederick Douglass (born in nearby Talbot County) escaped from slavery.

Here are a few meaningful ways to mark the month in 2026: 

Harriet Tubman Summit

Throughout September

Events celebrating Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, freedom, and more this are part of the first-ever, month-long Harriet Tubman Summit, happening this September, and tying into the nation's 250th birthday. The summit highlights Tubman’s pivotal role as a fearless abolitionist, spy and suffragist, celebrating her enduring impact on American history. Throughout September, you can engage in community service in honor of Tubman’s life of service, be part of a tribute to General Tubman (with 250 women veterans slated to gather, lectures, a gala, drum processional and waterside libations, music, and more. The events happen in Dorchester County, Maryland – the place where Harriet Tubman's journey began. 

The events are being organized by Alpha Genesis Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit based in Dorchester County, Maryland - the place of Tubman's birth.

Learn more. 

Re-Opening of the Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center

Early September

After vandalism closed the Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center in Downtown Cambridge, Maryland in July, the museum plans to re-open in early September. This is actually the second re-opening for the museum. In 2025, it closed after a water pipe burst, and ended up doing extensive renovations, reimagining the museum with a series of murals on every wall (and much of the floor), as well as new audio and video to help tell the Underground Railroad hero’s story. It had a grand re-opening in June 2026. But a few weeks later, the museum was broken into, with donation money stolen and murals damaged. The community far and wide rallied behind the museum to raise money for repairs. So now the museum hopes to re-open for good in early September. Watch for news on the Harriet Tubman Museum Facebook page.

The museum’s new murals were created by Dorchester County, Maryland (where Tubman was born) artist Michael Rosato, the muralist behind the well-known “Take My Hand” mural on the exterior of the museum.

The Harriet Tubman Museum also leads narrated (and sometimes musical!) walks while sharing stories of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. The walks often include banjo playing and singing. Reserve your spot. 

Harriet Tubman Emancipation Celebration: Back to the Outdoors

September 12, 9:30am-4pm
Join the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center – located in Church Creek, Maryland –  on Sept. 12, 2026 for their annual Emancipation Day celebration, commemorating the 177th Anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery.

• 10 am-3 pm: Traditional Children’s Games Play marbles, mancala, horseshoes, jump rope, and potato sack races in the Legacy Garden.
• 10 am: Outside Together with GirlTREK Get to know and get involved in GirlTREK with Siobhan Ollivierre.
• 11 am: Following Harriet: Freedom in the Open Air Melissa Whiteford St. Clair will share a selection of original poems inspired by Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary life and legacy. Through poetry, the natural world becomes part of the story. Woodlands, waterways, stars, and pathways reflect Harriet’s determination to pursue freedom.
• Noon: Rodney Stotts Meet and learn about magnificent birds of prey with a live bird presentation from Master Falconer, Rodney Stotts.
• 1 pm: Harriet Tubman: Master Naturalist Ranger Grace shares the plants Harriet Tubman used throughout her life and journeys. Take home a craft you made using the plants.
• 2 pm: Sir Charles Cary An elegant yet heartfelt musical performance of songs of yesteryear and today.
• 3 pm: Green Features Tour with Ranger Robin throughout the property, learn about what makes the facility Silver LEED Certified. Prepare to walk for 45 minutes.

https://visitdorchester.org/event/harriet-tubman-emancipation-celebration-back-to-the-outdoors/2026-09-12

Take the “Tubman Country” Road Trip

Another way to mark International Underground Railroad Month is to take the road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. This self-guided, scenic driving tour includes more than 30 sites, including the well-known “Take My Hand” mural and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Enrich your experience with the free audio guide.
 

Only have a few minutes? Must-stops include the “Take My Hand” mural at the Tubman Museum, 424 Race St., and the Beacon of Hope Harriet Tubman sculpture at the Dorchester County courthouse, 206 High St., both in Cambridge.