Help build the Josiah Henson Park
Donation protected
I am a descendant of Josiah Henson and the website owner of the Henson Nevels Family website. The website was contacted by Montgomery Parks in Maryland for local descendants to attend a Josiah Henson conference in June 2016. With speaking with the Parks representative, they advised that they're raising money for the Josiah Henson Park. Mia will be going to the Josiah Henson Park to tour the site, attend the conference in Maryland and present funds to the foundation in June.
Below is a excerpt from the organizations donation brochure ...
Josiah Henson Park is the only site in the United States with a direct association to Reverend Josiah Henson’s life. Here, the enslaved Josiah grew from a child into adulthood. Henson’s autobiography clearly describes the house and plantation landscape.
Josiah Henson Park is a part of the National Park Service National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. The Riley/Bolten house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in December 2011 for its historic and architectural significance. It has irreplaceable cultural, material, and aesthetic value.
In August 2012, Time Team America’s archaeological exploration uncovered three layers of flooring in the kitchen under the existing floor, further indicating the space is indeed the kitchen described in Henson’s memoirs.
The vision for Josiah Henson Park includes a new center to welcome and orient visitors to the site. The historic house will be converted to a public museum that tells the story of Josiah Henson.
Interactive exhibits throughout the building and outdoor exhibits along the paths and grounds will tell the broader story of slavery and complement local elementary and middle-school curricula. Soon the park will become a beloved destination for historic education, national and international visitors.
Donating to this cause will not only make myself and my family proud to hold onto a piece of our history but it will also preserve a piece of American history.
Any donation is greatly appreciated and know your gift help preserve history!
Below is a excerpt from the organizations donation brochure ...
Josiah Henson Park is the only site in the United States with a direct association to Reverend Josiah Henson’s life. Here, the enslaved Josiah grew from a child into adulthood. Henson’s autobiography clearly describes the house and plantation landscape.
Josiah Henson Park is a part of the National Park Service National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. The Riley/Bolten house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in December 2011 for its historic and architectural significance. It has irreplaceable cultural, material, and aesthetic value.
In August 2012, Time Team America’s archaeological exploration uncovered three layers of flooring in the kitchen under the existing floor, further indicating the space is indeed the kitchen described in Henson’s memoirs.
The vision for Josiah Henson Park includes a new center to welcome and orient visitors to the site. The historic house will be converted to a public museum that tells the story of Josiah Henson.
Interactive exhibits throughout the building and outdoor exhibits along the paths and grounds will tell the broader story of slavery and complement local elementary and middle-school curricula. Soon the park will become a beloved destination for historic education, national and international visitors.
Donating to this cause will not only make myself and my family proud to hold onto a piece of our history but it will also preserve a piece of American history.
Any donation is greatly appreciated and know your gift help preserve history!
Organizer and beneficiary
Michelle Roberts
Organizer
Detroit, MI
Mia Lewis
Beneficiary
