Family Day: Remembrance and Reconciliation
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Description: Commemorate Montgomery County Remembrance and Reconciliation Month with a family-friendly day of history, storytelling, archaeology, and hands-on activities at Josiah Henson Museum and Park.
Families can explore the history of Reverend Josiah Henson, an enslaved Marylander who escaped to Canada and became an abolitionist and an important figure in the Underground Railroad. The museum’s special exhibition, Footsteps Toward Freedom: Honoring Local Lives, highlights the lives and experiences of people connected to the history of slavery and freedom.
Children and families can participate in hands-on craft activities and a scavenger hunt while learning about local history. Visitors can also join free archaeology tours to discover the historical significance of the site.
The program features author and historian Dr. Cheryl LaRoche, who will introduce her children’s book The Resurrectors: Henry Highland Garnet and the Spirit of the Wind through storytelling and a special book launch and author talk.
Age:
Suitable for families with elementary and middle-school-age children, as well as older students interested in history and cultural heritage.
Why families love it
- Free admission to a local history museum and historic park.
- Hands-on crafts and a scavenger hunt for children.
- Free guided archaeology tours.
- Storytelling by an author and historian.
- Opportunities to learn about Josiah Henson and the Underground Railroad.
- An engaging way to explore African American history and the history of slavery in Maryland.
⚠️ Good to know
- Admission: Free; no advance registration required.
- Hands-on activities: Available throughout the event, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM.
- Archaeology tours: 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
- Storytime: 11:30 AM, featuring excerpts from The Resurrectors by Dr. Cheryl LaRoche. This session takes place before the Sunday event’s official opening time, so confirm availability with the museum.
- Book launch and author talk: 1:30 PM with Dr. Cheryl LaRoche.
- Special exhibition: Footsteps Toward Freedom: Honoring Local Lives.
- Parking: Available at Wall Local Park / Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center, 5900 Executive Boulevard. The museum is approximately 1.5 blocks away; follow the pedestrian route to the entrance.
- The museum grounds and building interiors are accessible.
Best For
Families with elementary and middle-school-age children, young history enthusiasts, and parents looking for a free educational activity that introduces children to African American history, archaeology, the Underground Railroad, and the importance of remembrance and reconciliation in Montgomery County.
Cost: Free admission; no registration required.