The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently highlighted six new or expanded public land projects across the state, including Freedman’s State Park, a 1,000-acre park in northern Montgomery County that is now welcoming visitors while development continues.
Located near the community of Sunshine, just outside Brookeville, Freedman’s State Park was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022 and officially dedicated on May 15, 2026. The park was among the projects highlighted in a November 5 update from DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz, who discussed the state’s ongoing efforts to expand public access to outdoor recreation while preserving historically significant properties.
Freedman’s State Park was previously part of the 6,700-acre Patuxent River State Park and encompasses land once owned and farmed by Enoch George Howard, his wife Harriet, and their descendants. The park tells the story of an African American family that overcame enslavement to become prosperous and influential landowners in northern Montgomery County.
According to DNR, Enoch George Howard and his family purchased their freedom from slavery and established a thriving Black community in the area. Their descendants went on to play important roles in Maryland’s Civil Rights Movement, helping advance efforts toward a more just and equitable society.
The park preserves several historically significant sites connected to the Howard family, including the Greenbury Howard House, Howard Family Cemetery, Howard Chapel Cemetery, and the ruins of Locust Villa, the family’s former main residence.
The Greenbury Howard House, built around 1870, was home to Enoch George Howard’s son, Greenbury, until his death in 1926. The family continued using the house for gatherings and reunions until selling the property in 1960. The structure remains standing and is currently undergoing restoration, although visitors can view it from the surrounding grounds.
The Howard Family Cemetery has also been restored and contains the graves of Enoch George Howard, Harriet Howard, and seven of their descendants.
Another historic feature is Howard Chapel Cemetery, which once included a church constructed in 1889. The chapel served the area’s rural Black community from 1889 until 1930 before being destroyed by fire in 1979. The church’s foundations remain visible, and burials at the cemetery began in 1901.
Although the park remains under development, visitors are already welcome to explore its trails, visit the historic cemeteries, view the Greenbury Howard House, and see the ruins of Locust Villa. The Howard Family Farm site is located in an undeveloped section of the park and is primarily accessible on foot, with vehicle access available by special request.
Planning and development are being carried out in partnership with Preservation Maryland, the Sandy Spring Museum, Sandy Spring Slave Museum, Montgomery Parks, Afro Charities, and the Maryland Historical Trust.
Freedman’s State Park is located at 23222 Georgia Avenue in Brookeville, with visitors encouraged to begin their visit at the Alf Brown House parking lot. The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily, except Christmas Day, and admission is free. The Alf Brown House Visitor Center is open by appointment only.
DNR notes that there are currently no ADA-accessible sites at the park. Visitors with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to contact park staff in advance at 443-962-0216 to make arrangements.
While Freedman’s State Park is still being developed, its trails and historic sites are already accessible, offering Montgomery County residents an opportunity to explore 1,000 acres of preserved land while learning about an important chapter in the county’s African American history.
