The Remarkable Plummer Family: From Slavery to Freedom in Prince George’s County

Saturday, July 27, 2024

9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Recommended for ages 12 and older. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Accessible

This program will include climbing stairs in a historic structure, some walking across varied terrains and steps on and off a school bus.

Located just 10 minutes outside Washington, D.C., the town of Edmonston, Maryland stands as a living legacy of one family’s commitment to one another, their home and the pursuit of freedom. Adam Francis Plummer, who was enslaved by the Calvert family, became free when Maryland abolished slavery in 1864 and later purchased land for himself and his family in present-day Edmonston. Join us on a tour of important sites related to the Plummers, slavery and freedom in Prince George’s County. Learn about recent efforts to preserve and commemorate the lives and accomplishments of African Americans in the region.

Join up to 20 fellow history-lovers for a day full of unveiling local history. Our tour will be led by renowned Reconstruction scholar and Ford’s Theatre Advisory Council Member Kate Masur, and the director of Riversdale House Museum, Maya Davis.

Cost: Free

Participants will take away:

• A nuanced and human perspective on how enslavement, emancipation and freedom shaped the D.C. metro area, especially in Prince George’s County.
• A deeper understanding of how current community members are actively working together to preserve and uplift this underrepresented history, and ideas for how to participate in these community efforts.
• Participants seeking professional development credit may request a letter certifying five hours.

Itinerary

9:30 a.m. – Welcome and Tour of Riversdale House Museum

11 a.m. – Excursion to Historic Edmonston, including the Plummer Family mural, and First Baptist Church (now Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church) – bus transportation provided

12:30 p.m. – Lunch at Riversdale House Museum – boxed lunch provided

1:15 p.m.  – Round Table Discussion: Preservation and Memorialization in Our Community

3 p.m.  – End of Day

Know Before You Go:

• Space is limited to 20 participants.
• Boxed lunch will be provided.
• Round trip bus transportation is provided from Riversdale House for the morning excursion to Edmonston.

Parking and Transportation:

• Riversdale House Museum is located at 6005 48th Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737.
• The Visitor Center parking lot is located at the corner of Riverdale Road and 48th Avenue.
• Riversdale House Museum is 1.5 miles from the Hyattsville Crossing Metro Station (Green Line) and is served by the F4 Metrobus.
• Information about parking and transportation to Riversdale House Museum can be found here.