Concert and afternoon of activities planned for June 15, 2024
Join Montgomery Parks in celebrating the birthday of abolitionist Josiah Henson on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park.
Josiah Henson’s life story takes center stage during an afternoon of free activities at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, on the site of the former plantation where Henson was enslaved. The Visitor Center and the historic Riley-Bolten house will be open to guests. Visitors will have the chance to play lawn games and learn about the archaeological work at the site. Crafts and concessions will be available. There will also be a series of scheduled activities.
Josiah Henson Celebration Schedule
All day
- Visitor Center and Riley-Bolten house open
- Lawn Games
- Montgomery County Parks Archaeology Tent
- Crafts
- Concessions
- Free parking and shuttle at Wall Local Park
Timed Activities
- 10:30-11:00 a.m. Story Time
- 10:45-11:00 a.m. Film Screening “My Name is Josiah Henson”
- 11:00-11:30 a.m. Archaeology Tour
- 11:30 a.m.-Noon Jubilee Voices Concert
- 12:20-12:35 p.m. Film Screening “My Name is Josiah Henson”
- 12:30-3:30 p.m. 19th Century Cooking Demonstration
- 1:00-1:30 p.m. Riley-Bolten House Tour
- 1:30-2:00 p.m. Story Time
- 2:15-2:30 p.m. Film Screening “My Name is Josiah Henson”
- 3:00-3:30 p.m. Archaeology Tour
About Josiah Henson: Josiah Henson was born into slavery in Charles County, Maryland in 1789. In his lifetime, he witnessed the horrors of slavery, escaped to freedom in Canada, and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping others escape bondage. Henson’s autobiography, The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark abolitionist novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Henson’s complete life story, told in his own words, is featured at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park.
What: Josiah Henson Birthday Celebration
When: Saturday, June 15, 2024
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Josiah Henson Museum and Park
11410 Old Georgetown Road, North, Bethesda, MD 20852
Parking: Wall Local Park
5900 Executive Blvd
North Bethesda, MD 20852
(A shuttle will run between the parking lot and the museum)