As we approach the end of Black History Month and the prospect of Women’s History Month ahead, I feel that highlighting the historical significance of our local hero, Harriet Tubman, would make a most fitting transition. Often referred to by her moniker “Moses” by those who knew her, Araminta Ross (later renamed Harriet Tubman) is renowned for her brave actions in escaping the cruel institution of slavery via the Underground Railroad, only to return boldly to the scene to assume the active lead in assisting others on their quests for freedom as well. While we often localize Tubman’s residency to her homeplace in Dorchester County, Maryland, her legacy and reputation transcend all of Delmarva, concentrated mainly in Maryland.
While Howard County, Maryland, may seem further connected to Tubman’s legacy than other locales, it is home to the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. A site of exhibits and preservation of the state’s African American history, the center doubles as a thriving social site enjoyed by hundreds today. It also happens to be a renowned repurposed academic institution cataloging the history of our state’s segregated past. For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m shedding light on the story behind what was once the operating Harriet Tubman School in Howard County.
School History
It was in 1949, the height of segregation, when the Harriet Tubman School opened its doors. At the time, it was the only all-black high school in all of Howard County. By 1953, an addition was made to the building to increase its physical size and class-containing capacity.
The addition was constructed by Francis J. Thurman of the Aetna Construction Company for $67,944. The result was an increase to 26,000 square feet.
The year 1956 saw an additional upgrade in the form of a shop building. It cost $50,000 and came at a time when the school board was under scrutiny for Howard County Schools’ ongoing delay of integration.
At long last, the school eventually shuttered in 1965. The final death blow came with changing times and desegregation in general. Instead of having integrated white students into the black-founded school, the Rouse Company had recently purchased adjacent property to the school, planning to sell back 20 acres. It was in July a year earlier. Tom Harris of the planning commission presented a recommendation from Loren Murray of Johannes & Murray to pass on any additions to the Harriet Tubman school and buy the adjoining 10 acres for $12,000 from Columbia Research and Development. The goal then was to build a new high school instead.
The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
While the results did not match the initial goals originally touted, in the end, the fate of the school would forever be linked to the preservation of black culture in Howard County.
While earlier efforts were made in the 2000s to preserve the building, it wasn’t until a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding was executed with the Howard County Public School System to transfer ownership of the Harriet Tubman School building and surrounding property (the “Harriet Tubman School site”) to Howard County for purposes of preservation.
In September of 2022, the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center officially opened its doors to the public as a historic, educational, and cultural center.
Visiting Today
Visitors to the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center today may enjoy a wide range of versatile activities and events. Amenities include guided tours and even fieldtrips for all ages. The site also serves as an excellent hosting venue with ongoing events and recreations also presented onsite at various calendar dates and times throughout the year.
Learn about upcoming events and programs here.
The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center is located at 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, Maryland 21044. Learn more about visiting on the website.