Vision Takes Shape For Museum At Josiah Henson Park

The Montgomery County Department of Parks will detail plans Feb. 4 to renovate North Bethesda's Josiah Henson Park, the former plantation where Josiah Henson lived and worked as a slave in the early to mid 1800s.

Henson, who eventually escaped slavery, is credited as being the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

A facility plan is underway that would develop a museum at the site with interacive exhibits highlighting Henson's life.

The proposed project would rehabilitate the existing historic Riley/Bolten House—which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places—and an attached log kitchen.

The Parks Deparment will host a community meeting where residents can view schematic designs for the site at 7 p.m. Feb 4 at Tilden Middle School. For more information, visit the Parks website.