Last Sunday Dan and I returned to the park that had the Underground Railroad trail. See this earlier post about that.
We wanted to visit the buildings that weren't open when we were there on a week day. Alas, we were disappointed to learn that the house is not open at all. What is open is the magnificent barn which now houses a museum on the Quakers and slavery in this part of Maryland.
The barn is the only one like it in Maryland.
Here's a model of it.
Different exhibits explained its construction.
The inside walls were whitewashed.
Other exhibits told stories of slaves and the Underground Railroad.
Still other exhibits focused on the Quakers.
It is a magnificent building with now an interesting and important message about our history.
I have a great deal of respect for the Quakers with their compassion for mankind and their peaceful ways. That is an interesting story about Ann Maria Weems. How brave for a young girl her age to do what she did to secure her freedom.
ReplyDeleteA really interesting post. You don't hear that much about the Quakers although I often come across their meeting rooms on my travels.
ReplyDelete...a part of history that should never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteGlad you went back and enjoyed seeing the barn and reading about the history in that area... We have been watching a PBS program named Underground --and have enjoyed it although it's hard to watch the way people were treated back then...
ReplyDeleteSomeone in the future will look at our country and world TODAY wondering (like we wonder now when thinking about the Civil War and also Slavery) how people can be so cruel and horrible to one another... Wonder if we will ever have PEACE?
There's no respect for each other's differences. Don't know if that will ever change... SAD.
Hugs,
Betsy