Marietta Lecture: Reverend Josiah Henson and the Underground Railroad
By STACEY HAWKINS
Marietta House Museum
Please join us on Saturday, November 15, from 1–2:30 p.m. for a presentation with Diana Klein, Education Program Manager for Josiah Henson Museum and Park as she discusses the life of Reverend Josiah Henson. Reverend Henson was enslaved in Montgomery County for about 25 years before he self-emancipated with his family to Canada and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, eventually freeing 118 people. He wrote his life story, which inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, a bestselling book in the 19th century.
In his lifetime, Henson was a well-known abolitionist who met with Queen Victoria, President Hayes, Frederick Douglass and other movers-and-shakers of the era. So why has his story slipped into obscurity? In this presentation, Diana Klein will delve into Henson, his life, and the social forces that shape how we view history today.
Following Ms. Klein’s presentation, Dr. Julie Rose, Director of Marietta House Museum, will present a short talk about researching the history of the Marietta enslaved families, and the self-emancipation of the Duckett and Brown families. These talks are in partnership with the African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Prince George’s County.
$5/person. However, it is free for members of AAHGS. A hybrid program. Ages 12 & up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Online attendees must register to receive a TEAMS link. Walk-ins are welcome. Registration ticket code: MHM-SPEC-GA-20251115
For more information, please call 301-464-5291 or email mariettahouse@pgparks.com
Marietta House Museum is located at 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, MD and is a property of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
TOP OF PAGE
BHS NJROTC
Navy Birthday Commemoration
By ASSISTANT PAO C/SR RYAN ZHANG
Bowie High School NJROTC
In a formal tribute to maritime history, the Bowie High School NJROTC Battalion commemorated the U.S. Navy’s birthday on October 13, 2025, in a ceremony steeped in tradition. The event celebrated the Navy’s 250th anniversary and was attended by cadets, honored guests, and battalion staff, including Gunnery Sergeant George Hinton and guest speaker Captain Clemia Anderson.
The proceedings, emceed by C/PO3 Kamille Foster, began with the singing of the national anthem by C/SR Kira Mack. The program included recognizing outstanding cadets, who received certificates of achievement from Gunnery Sergeant Hinton. A focal point of the ceremony was the cake-cutting tradition, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and honor from senior leadership to the next generation. Battalion Commander C/CDMR Sabrina Adofo, accompanied by C/PO2 Ava Marcelin and C/PO3 Omowunmi Ogunbanwo, led the ceremonial cut. In a poignant moment, Captain Clemia Anderson, the Battalion’s Senior Naval Science Instructor, presented the first slice of cake to the youngest cadet, C/SR Kayla Gomez.
The ceremony concluded successfully, leaving cadets with a deep appreciation for the proud history and enduring legacy of the U.S. Navy. The event highlighted the NJROTC program’s role in fostering discipline, patriotism, and respect for military
service among its cadets.
TOP OF PAGE
BHS NJROTC
Bowie High School NJROTC Cadets Hone Leadership Skills at Basic Leadership Training
By PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER C/PO2 BLASDO TCHAA
Bowie High School NJROTC
Bowie, Md. (Oct. 31, 2025)—Cadets from the Bowie High School NJROTC Battalion participated in a multi-unit Basic Leadership Training (BLT) event on Saturday, October 11, 2025 held at Northwestern High School. The annual training, which has historically attracted a large majority of NJROTC units, has seen a notable increase in participation from AFJROTC units over the past two years, fostering a diverse and collaborative learning environment. Throughout the day, cadets were immersed in a rigorous curriculum designed to enhance their leadership abilities and tactical proficiency. Training included instruction and practice in various forms of drill, such as rifle, guidon, sword, and color guard. The physical training (PT) portion of the event challenged the cadets’ endurance, teamwork, and discipline, pushing them to work cohesively under pressure.
The day’s instruction was guided by a distinguished panel of instructors from multiple schools and military branches. Leading the training was Sergeant Major Wilson, the Senior Naval Science Instructor from Northwestern High School. He was joined by Captain Clemia Anderson, the Senior Naval Science Instructor for Bowie High School; First Sergeant Chea, the Naval Science Instructor for Suitland High School; Gunnery Sergeant Hinton, also from Bowie High School; and several Marines who provided additional support.
The training provided a crucial opportunity for cadets to strengthen their leadership competencies, build self-assurance, and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of unity within a team.
The day culminated in a formal completion ceremony, during which the cadets’ display of discipline and dedication was officially recognized. The ceremony was presided over by Executive Officer Sabrina Adofo and Commanding Officer of Troops Stephanie Escobar. Each cadet who successfully completed the training received a certificate of completion, a leadership ribbon, and a black aiguillette to commemorate their achievement and hard work.
TOP OF PAGE
