ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today celebrated the renaming of the Banneker Douglass Tubman Museum, honoring the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman on the 160th anniversary of Maryland’s Emancipation Day. Joined by First Lady Dawn Moore; the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture; local elected officials; and esteemed poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, the governor acknowledged the museum's critical role in preserving Maryland’s history and the profound impact of Harriet Tubman and her roots on the Eastern Shore. 

“Our history is our power - and when you study the tragedies and triumphs of those who came before, you realize there is nothing we cannot achieve,” said Gov. Moore. “Today, we celebrate the foundation of American progress, from historic trail blazers like Harriet Tubman to living Maryland heroes who are still raising their hands to serve. Together, we will continue bending the arc of history toward justice.”

“Harriet Tubman is the embodiment of leave no one behind, and Maryland is honored to celebrate her extraordinary contributions to our state and to the country,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “Here in Maryland, we honor our history and protect the institutions that work to advance greater equality and justice for all. Today is about carrying that legacy forward.”

Operated by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, The Banneker Douglass Tubman Museum is Maryland’s official African American history and culture museum. It serves to document, interpret, and promote African American history and culture through exhibitions, programs, and projects in order to improve the understanding and appreciation of America’s rich cultural diversity. 

“This new chapter for the museum is not just symbolic, but it reflects our institution’s roots in protest and resilience, and amplifies Black women’s dynamic history and contributions to our state, our nation, and our futures,” said Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and Banneker Douglass Tubman Museum Executive Director Chanel Compton. “Thank you to Governor Moore and the entire administration for their support of the museum and our mission to preserve Maryland’s history and culture.”

During the event, the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture honored four Marylanders with the Harriet Tubman Lifetime Achievement Awards: Mt. Pleasant Acres Farm co-owners Paulette Greene and Donna Dear from Caroline County; community organizer Carolyn Brooks from Washington County; and Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw from Anne Arundel County. The commission honored the award recipients for their embodiment of Tubman's spirit of activism, courage, and commitment to justice. 

This afternoon’s ceremony coincides with the 160th anniversary of Maryland’s emancipation. On this date in 1864, Maryland voters ratified the state’s third constitution which officially abolished slavery, making Maryland the first state to voluntarily abolish slavery by popular vote. 

Maryland’s 1851 Constitution had explicitly forbidden “any law abolishing the relation of master or slave” so the only way to abolish slavery was through the ratification of a new Constitution.