OLNEY and BETHESDA, MD—The Montgomery County Department of Parks is offering two history programs this September, one at Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park in Olney for Grandparent’s Day and another at the Josiah Henson Historic Site (formerly called “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”) in Bethesda.
“We changed our operating hours at Oakley Cabin this year to increase our special program offerings, such as this Back in Grandma’s Day program,” said Department of Parks Museum Manager Shirl Spicer.
National Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 13. Oakley Cabin starts the celebration a day earlier, Saturday, September 12 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm, with a FREE program on traditional handicrafts—“Back in Grandma’s Day.” Visitors will meet master quilters, spinners, knitters and other crafters and if they bring a grandparent receive a complimentary “Come Play in the Parks!” pass with special discount offers to use at other parks facilities, such as the ice rinks, miniature trains, campground and boat rentals. Oakley Cabin will also be open for FREE guided tours.
“At this time, the Josiah Henson Site is only open on a limited basis, seasonally,” added Spicer. “So special programs such as the one we’re offering this month give folks an opportunity to get into the site and enjoy it before we’re open on a more regular basis, which we anticipate doing by 2012.”
On Saturday, September 19, the Josiah Henson Historic Site (formerly called “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”) will offer a living history program featuring Historic Reenactor Bus Howard, “Meeting Josiah Henson.” There are two performance times, 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Registration at www.ParkPASS.org (Course Nos. 90249 and 90299) is encouraged, however, a limited number of tickets will be available for day-of, on-site purchase. The admission price is $5 per person. Parking is only available two blocks away at the Montgomery Aquatic Center, 5900 Executive Boulevard.
“Bus Howard is a professional actor with an impressive background,” said Spicer. “Also, blues musician Jeff Hawkins will be joining him Saturday so we’re looking forward to a great day of performance at the Josiah Henson site.”
Howard has appeared in both “The Wire” and “Law and Order” television series’ and in stage productions, such as “The Piano Lesson,” and August Wilson’s “Jitney.” During this theatrical performance at the Josiah Henson Historic Site, Howard will bring to life Reverend Josiah Henson’s heroic life, which inspired the legendary book by Harriet Beecher Stowe, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Jeff Hawkins will perform on guitar.
If you go:
Back in Grandma’s Day: Traditional Handicrafts
Saturday, September 12
12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park
3610 Brookville Road
Olney, Maryland 20832
Admission FREE, www.OakleyCabin.org
Meeting Josiah Henson: Living History Program featuring Bus Howard
Saturday, September 19
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Josiah Henson Historic Site
11420 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20852
(Parking only at Montgomery Aquatic Center, 5900 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda)
Admission $5, register at www.ParkPASS.org (Course Nos. 90249 and 90299)
For more information on Oakley Cabin visit www.OakleyCabin.org, the Josiah Henson Site (formerly called “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”), see www.JosiahHensonSite.org or call 301-650-4373.
# # #
Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866