It is probably not surprising to all who follow this blog, that I was a History and Geography teacher. I have always been inspired by historical figures who transcend their circumstances, inspire others, and symbolize hope in the darkest of times. Harriet Tubman’s quotes continue to inspire me.
Here are two of my favorites:
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
’Twant me, ’twas the Lord. I always told him, “I trust to you. I don’t know where to go or what to do, but I expect you to lead me,” and he always did.
Three years ago, my family spent two weeks on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the lovely town of St. Michaels. The Eastern Shore is most known for the beach communities of Ocean City and Dewey Beach, but the rest of the region is a agricultural region that cradles much of the DC Metro Area in fresh fruits and vegetables.
During the Civil War, Maryland was considered a border state and the Eastern Shore tended to side with its southern neighbor, Virginia on the slavery issue. Did you know that the state song, “My Maryland, My Maryland” had a couple of different versions, depending on which side of the Civil War you were on?
I saw references to the building of a visitor center to honor Harriet Tubman when in St. Michaels. My niece and nephew drove some of the byways on the Eastern Shore to follow some of the markers of the Underground Railroad, but we really thought a museum would help all to understand the brilliant woman who started the movement of slaves to safety. In March, 2017 the building was dedicated and opened to the public. I have already started to plan my trip, about 8 hours from where I live. Here is the info about the new center:
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
The visitor’s center is located in Church Creek, MD, about 6 miles to the south of Cambridge, a bustling fishing community with plenty of places to stay. Check out their town site to get more information: Cambridge, Maryland
Cambridge does have an airport nearby, but cheaper flights can be booked through Baltimore Washington and Washington’s Reagan National Airports. A 2 hour or so drive based on traffic.
If you are planning a “Follow in Someone’s Footsteps” weekend, studying the figure is a really great way to prepare to visit the location. Just because you are on a Thrifty Weekend, does not mean your will not take home inspiring stories of courageous Americans. Here are some books to think about:
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton (New York: Little Brown and Company, 2004)
Auburn, New York’s paper, The Citizen put together this list of children’s books on Harriet Tubman that I feel are worth a look: Children’s Books on Harriet Tubman
If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there’s shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.
Harriet Tubman