Maryland Emancipation Day

What We Carried into Freedom: Knowledge • Skill • Culture • Community Join us at Concord Historic Site for the Maryland Emancipation Day Celebration, an afternoon of living history, music, storytelling, food, family, and community as we commemorate the abolition of slavery in Maryland. Maryland’s Constitution of 1864 took effect on November 1, ending slavery in the state and freeing more than 30,000 African Americans. At Concord—a former tobacco plantation where generations of African Americans were enslaved—Emancipation Day offers an opportunity to remember that history while exploring what freedom made possible. Throughout the afternoon, discover the skills, knowledge, creativity, and cultural traditions African Americans carried through enslavement and used to build lives, families, businesses, institutions, and communities after emancipation. A Celebration Rooted in History Craft Demonstration Area Meet skilled artisans and tradition bearers demonstrating historic and contemporary crafts while discovering the knowledge, creativity, and craftsmanship behind their work. The Griot Sound Stage Experience the power of African American music, storytelling, spoken word, and performance. Inspired by the African tradition of the griot as a keeper of history and community memory, the stage brings stories of culture, freedom, and resilience to life. Hands-On History: Community Glass Project Leave your mark on Concord’s story. Participate in a special, hands-on glass activity connected to the artwork being created for the historic site and learn how community voices are becoming part of Concord’s evolving interpretation. Food Pavilion Take a break, gather around the table, and enjoy food available from participating vendors throughout the celebration. Sign Up for Event Updates Frequently Asked Questions Is the event free? Yes! Maryland Emancipation Day is free and open to the public. Some food, merchandise, or other items offered by participating vendors may be available for purchase. Do I need to register? Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Is this event family-friendly? Yes. Maryland Emancipation Day is designed for visitors of all ages. Will food be available? Yes. Visit the Food Pavilion for food available from participating vendors during the event. Where should I park? Parking is free on the grounds of Concord Historic Site. ADA parking is also available. Will the event take place outdoors? Yes. Much of Maryland Emancipation Day will take place outdoors across the grounds of Concord Historic Site. Visitors should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes appropriate for walking on an outdoor, historic landscape. Weather-related updates or changes to the event schedule will be communicated through official M-NCPPC channels. Is the event accessible? Accessible accommodations will be available for visitors. Because this celebration take place outdoors on the historic landscape, visitors with specific accessibility questions or accommodation requests are encouraged to contact the event team in advance. What is the Griot Sound Stage? The Griot Sound Stage is the celebration’s home for live music, storytelling, spoken word, cultural performances, and community voices. The name draws inspiration from the West African griot tradition of preserving and sharing history, genealogy, music, and community memory across generations. What is the Community Glass Project? The Community Glass Project is an opportunity for visitors to participate in a hands-on activity connected to artwork being developed for Concord Historic Site. The project invites community members to contribute to a larger artistic and interpretive experience connecting the site’s history with the people helping shape Concord’s future. Are pets permitted? Yes, pets are welcome as long as they are secured on a leash at all times. Pet waste must be promptly cleaned up and removed by pet owners. Where can I find the event schedule? A detailed schedule of performances, demonstrations, activities, and other experiences will be posted closer to the event. Check back for updates as November 7 approaches.