The Maryland Department of Transportation has revealed a new historical marker dedicated to Harriet Tubman, honoring her legacy and contributions to American history. The unveiling took place at the Harriet Tubman Freedom Center in Cambridge during International Underground Railroad Month, coinciding with the anniversary of Tubman’s escape from slavery in 1849.
State and local leaders, along with Tubman’s relatives and community members, attended the event. Jawauna Greene, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Strategy with the Maryland Department of Transportation, said, “We remember Harriet Tubman for her fearless and selfless service to others.” She added that the department is proud to present this updated marker.
The new marker features revised language developed with input from Tubman’s descendants. It replaces an older sign installed in 1967 that contained inaccuracies regarding Tubman’s birthplace and the number of enslaved individuals she helped free. The old marker will be given to the Harriet Tubman Freedom Center as an educational tool emphasizing historical accuracy.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Historical Trust to review and correct historical markers across the state. The goal is to address inaccuracies and update language related to sensitive topics like slavery.
For more information on Harriet Tubman’s history in Maryland or artifacts from her father’s home, visit the Maryland Department of Transportation’s virtual museum. Details about the Maryland Roadside Historical Marker program can be found here.
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