SANDY SPRING, MD—The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Montgomery County Department of Parks officially opens its historic sites for the season on Saturday, April 2 with FREE guided hikes of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road in Sandy Spring.
“Serving as a guide on the Underground Railroad Trail has been one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I ever had,” said Parks Volunteer Diane Martin. “Each week brings new, diverse and intriguing groups, such as the young child with special needs, who at the end of the hike shouted out to the entire group ‘I made it to freedom.’"
FREE guided hikes of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail will be offered every Saturday, from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, throughout the season, April 2 through November 5. The guided hikes are appropriate for children ages 8 and up. The two-mile, ninety minute hike follows unpaved paths through meadows and woods and is led by trained volunteer guides.
“I can safely say for all the other volunteers who contribute their time and energy that at the end of each hike we all feel we've learned something from each participant and in return we have given something back to our community,” added Martin.
Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park, 3610 Brookeville Road in Olney, opens for the season the following Saturday, April 9, with FREE guided cabin tours from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm. Oakley Cabin will be open each second and fourth Saturday, April 9 through November 5.
The April 9 opening day celebration at Oakley Cabin, “Songs of the South,” will feature a special 19th century musical ensemble with performances by the “Jubilee Voices” of the Washington Revels. For opening day, visitors to Oakley Cabin will also be able to explore an archaeology dig with parks department archaeologists and make their own set of marbles to take home.
“We’re looking forward to a great season of history in the parks,” said Department of Parks Museum Manager Shirl Spicer, “and invite all to join us!”
The Montgomery Parks historic sites season closes each year on the first weekend in November with Maryland Emancipation Day Celebrations, this year commemorated November 4 – 6, 2011.
For more information on any of the historic sites and events in Montgomery Parks or to volunteer, visit www.HistoryInTheParks.org.
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Underground Railroad Experience Trail Hikes
Saturdays, April 2 – November 5, 2011
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring
Cost: FREE
More information: www.HistoryInTheParks.org
Guided Oakley Cabin Tours
Second and Fourth Saturdays, April 9 – November 5, 2011
12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park
3610 Brookeville Road, Olney
Cost: FREE
More information: www.HistoryInTheParks.org
Opening Day Celebration: “Songs of the South”
Saturday, April 9, 2011
12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park
3610 Brookeville Road, Olney
Cost: FREE
More information: www.HistoryInTheParks.org
Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866