Tubman Day at Button Farm
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM to celebrate the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) who made her first attempt to reach freedom on September 17, 1849.
Tubman not only claimed her own freedom but secured the liberation of others, returning a dozen times to Maryland to lead some seventy friends and family members out of bondage.
Founded at Button Farm in 2017, Tubman Day reveals Harriet’s achievements through hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. This event is FREE!
Reflections on Freedom
“Reflections on Freedom” is this year’s theme for our Tubman Day celebration. Our event will be hosted by facilitators Venetia Bailey and Sally Colella, of Coming to the Table-Montgomery County (CTTT-Moco), who will engage guests in a conversation about “Freedom” between presentations by authors Anthony Cohen and Therese Taylor-Stinson.
Cohen will kick off our event with Five Steps to Freedom: Understanding Freedom Seekers, his recent article published by the National Park Service. Discover the key factors used by self-liberators—including Harriet Tubman—to successfully claim freedom on the Underground Railroad. How many of these qualities do you possess?
Following this will be keynote presenter, and phenomenal author, Therese Taylor-Stinson with selective readings from her book “Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter.” Hear how “Harriet’s lived spirituality illuminates a profound path forward for those of us longing for internal freedom, as well as justice and equity in our communities.”
Throughout the day guests are invited to take our self-guided Button Farm Almanac Tour, in addition to hands-on history activities in the pavilion!
Tubman Day Schedule of Activities
12-12:30 Arrive and Orient
12:30 -1:15 Anthony Cohen- Five Steps to Freedom: Understanding Freedom Seekers presentation and CTTT-Moco discussion.
2:00-2:15 Therese Taylor-Stinson reading from Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman followed by CTTT-Moco discussion.
12-3:00 Guests Enjoy Concurrent Activities:
- Button Farm Almanac (Self-Guided Tour)
- “Harriet Tubman: Soldier of Freedom” film on repeat
- Hands-on history objects table
- Harriet Books and other products available for purchase
