Storytelling Destination in the World
181st anniversary of self-liberation by Frederick Douglass, and other important commemorations and products being launched into the marketplace. Partner with Maryland’s Underground Railroad sites to increase transactionable outcomes. Provide exceptional customer service by marketing Maryland as the Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination in the World.
The opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center and the promotion of the Year of Frederick Douglass has greatly increased public interest in Maryland’s Underground Railroad stories. Now is the time to elevate Maryland’s unique position in the Underground Railroad, bring public awareness to its NTF sites across the state and promote the broader role of Maryland in the Underground Railroad. See Delivery Dates below for the schedule of products being released into the marketplace.
● Partner with UGRR sites, DMOs, and Heritage Areas to maximize the opportunities of September
2019 to highlight Maryland as a premier Underground Railroad destination.
● Communicate the uniqueness of Maryland’s Underground Railroad and highlight it’s most powerful and significant leaders, both famous and lesser-known.
● Provide greater public understanding and appreciation for Maryland’s Network to Freedom and encourage greater visitation at Network to Freedom sites.
● Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center (MPS and NPS)
● NPS Network to Freedom
● Maryland State Archives
● Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture
● Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway
● Maryland Network to Freedom sites
● DMOs
● Heritage Areas
● Maryland Film Office
● Effectively launch Maryland as the Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination in the World.
● Increase awareness of Maryland’s Underground Railroad stories and destinations.
● Have program and materials in place on OTD’s Industry site for sites that are interested in applying to be a site or program in the Network to Freedom.
Governor Hogan declaring September as International UGRR Month (not definite) September 3, 181st anniversary of Frederick Douglass self-liberation
September 7, 8, 9, National Folk Festival, HTUGRRVC/NTF in Family Activities Tent September 17, is the 170th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s self-liberation. September 3, 181st anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ self-liberation.
September 10, Harriet Tubman feature film release at Toronto Film Festival
September 14, Emancipation Celebration at HTURRVC, Premier of Visitor Center’s orientation video
Unveiling of new Byway kiosk at the entrance gate of VC (tentative)
September 21 & 22, Millicent Sparks as Harriet Tubman, 21st a VC, 22nd 350th of Dorchester Co. September 28 & 29, Concert at HTURRVC “Songs of Freedom”
Three new Maryland NTF members announced, more announced at the end of the month
New HTURR Certified Hosts 20-25 new members is the goal
OTD’s Network to Freedom video complete
OTD’s Network to Freedom Map Guide complete OTD’s Network to Freedom Web Pages complete OTD, 20th year of work on Harriet Tubman initiative Frederick Douglass Driving Tours Brochure
The Hill Community Project Self-Guided Walking Tour Brochure
Bay Country & other WC displays (tentative) September 14, Linchester Mill Dinner (tentative) NPS, Using the Night Sky Program (tentative) William Still House ribbon-cutting (tentative)
160th of John Brown’s Raid, October 16-18, 1859