February is Black History Month.
A museum and park in North Bethesda tells the story of a man who escaped slavery and led others to freedom as a conductor for the Underground Railroad.
The Josiah Henson Museum and Park opened to the public in 2021. It walks you through the life of Josiah Henson on the property where he was enslaved. Born into slavery in Maryland, Henson was eventually traded to a plantation located on what is now Old Georgetown Road. He escaped with his family to Canada in 1830 and about 20 years later, published an autobiography that inspired the iconic novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
Henson became a world renowned speaker and abolitionist who led more than 100 people to a free life. The museum and park, located at 11410 Old Georgetown Road, educates visitors about a man who escaped a horrifying life to freedom, to continue fighting for the freedom of others.
The park is open sunrise to sunset, according to Montgomery Parks’ website. The museum is open Friday through Sunday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are available onsite. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $4 for children ages 6-17, and free for children ages five and under.
Parking is available 1.5 blocks away at the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center. There is limited accessible parking at the museum, per Montgomery Parks.
Last year, the Montgomery County Planning Board officially renamed Montrose Parkway after Henson.
