Media Scholars Harriet Tubman Byway Excursions

Twice during the 2024-25 academic year, groups of students in the Media, Self and Society program ventured to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to what is affectionately dubbed Tubman Country. The area in Dorchester County was the birthplace of the woman who came to be known as 'the Moses of her people.' Harriet Tubman (1822-1913), born Araminta Ross, was an enslaved woman became known as one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad, making over 70 trips between Maryland and free states as well as an abolitionist, suffragist, activist, and served in the Civil War as leader, nurse, cook, scout, and a spy.

With the gracious assistance of Harriet Tubman Tours and the Harriet Tubman Freedom Center, the Media Scholars were able to trace the steps of Tubman from the plantation land of her birth, a local store, the Blackwater Marsh refuge, the famed Beacon of Hope statue dedicated in her honor in 2022, and more.

The students also made a stop in Annapolis, visiting the Banneker Douglass Tubman Museum, the Maryland State House, the Alex Haley Memorial, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park during the overnight trip.

Photos from our 2025 Harriet Tubman Byway Tours

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students at blackwater creek, cambridge, md

Media Scholars exploring trails in the Blackwater Marsh refuge, an area utilized by Harriet Tubman during her trips north.

Media Scholars at the entrance to the Brodess Farm, where Tubman was born in 1822.

students at broadess store, cambridge, md

Alex Green, Harriet Tubman Tours leader, addressing Media Scholars outside of the original structure of the general store where Tubman was injured as a child.

students with harriet tubman statue and a quote over their heads

Inside of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Museum, Media Scholars pose with a statue of Tubman.

students standing in front of harriet tubman mural, cambridge md

Media Scholars and Alex Green, Harriet Tubman Tours leader, pose in front of the Take My Hand mural, depicting a modern version of Tubman.

student standing in front of underground railroad sign

A Media Scholar reads more about the history of the Underground Railroad at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park.

Videos Highlighting our Harriet Tubman Byway Tours

Take a trip through the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park through a video by a Media Scholar.

Learn more about the Beacon of Hope statue through a video produced by a Media Scholar.

Learn more about the Take My Hand mural of Harriet Tubman through a video by a Media Scholar.