A Little About our Local Museum
The Josiah Henson Neighborhood Museum, located in North Bethesda, Maryland, is a small but powerful tribute to one man’s fight against slavery. Josiah Henson was a former slave who escaped to freedom in Canada and went on to become an abolitionist, preacher, and author. He is perhaps best known as the inspiration for the character Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Be sure to visit this unique historic site, which is conveniently located 5 minutes away from Pike & Rose.
Josiah Henson Neighborhood Museum: A Tribute to the Fight Against Slavery
The museum is located on the site of the plantation where Henson was enslaved. The property was acquired by Montgomery County in the 1980s and converted into a park and museum. The museum itself is housed in a small, restored building that was once part of the plantation. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts, documents, and interactive displays that tell the story of Josiah Henson’s life and the history of slavery in Maryland.
The museum’s exhibits are divided into several sections, each of which highlights a different aspect of Henson’s life and the fight against slavery. One section is dedicated to Henson’s early life as a slave, including his experience working on the plantation where the museum now stands. Another section tells the story of Henson’s escape to freedom and his subsequent journey to Canada, where he founded a settlement for escaped slaves and became a preacher and community leader.
Other exhibits explore the broader history of slavery in Maryland, including the lives of other enslaved people who lived on the plantation. Visitors can see original documents such as wills, bills of sale, and other legal records that illustrate the brutal reality of slavery in the area.
One of the most moving exhibits in the museum is a replica of the cabin where Josiah Henson lived as a slave. Visitors can see firsthand the cramped and basic living conditions that he and other slaves endured. The cabin is a poignant reminder of the brutality of slavery and the importance of the fight against it.
The Josiah Henson Neighborhood Museum is a small but important tribute to one man’s fight against slavery. It is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, and a testament to the resilience and courage of people like Henson. Whether you are a history buff, a student, or simply someone who wants to learn more about this important chapter in our nation’s past, the museum is definitely worth a visit.
Location
The museum and park are located on 11410 Old Georgetown Road, just 5 minutes away from Pike & Rose.
