Harriet Tubman Museum seeks community support after first-ever break-in
The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, Md., is recovering from its first-ever break-in after thieves stole its donation box and damaged a door that is part of a celebrated Harriet Tubman mural. Museum leaders are seeking $25,000 to repair the damage, upgrade security and reopen the nonprofit institution, which had just resumed operations following yearlong flood-related renovations. The post Harriet Tubman Museum seeks community support after first-ever break-in appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Kendra Bryant
Special to the AFRO
The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge, Md., is recovering from a recent break-in over the weekend of July 11. Police are working to identify the person responsible for the theft.
Photo Credit: Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center/ Facebook
“The objective is to get the museum reopened so that we can start having our people come in and continue giving lectures, talks and walks about Harriet Tubman,” said Linda Harris, director of events and programming, in an interview on the “Roland Martin Unfiltered” show.
The museum’s two-person volunteer staff returned to the center after the weekend and noticed that the back door had been broken into and the donation box was missing. The door is part of the location’s renowned Harriet Tubman mural by local artist Michael Rosato.
Opened in 1992, the museum was the first to fully recognize the life of Harriet Tubman. Located in the abolitionist’s hometown, the museum celebrate’s Tubman’s legacy via exhibits, lectures, other events and guided tours of the city, which was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
“I spend a lot of time writing grants and doing walking tours, which is how we raise money,” said Harris. “It’s been my objective to get people there and promote the great legacy of Harriet Tubman.”
After the museum’s doors were shuttered for yearlong renovations after it was flooded in May 2025, the free institution reopened in June and had been seeing steady food traffic. However, the recent property damage and theft – the museum depends on donations for its operations – has caused a setback.
In a recent statement, the museum officials asked the community for support in funding repairs and replacing the door, security cameras and lighting. The cost for fixing the door alone is estimated at $3,500.
“I’m really taken by the generosity of people,” said Harris. “I really think we’re going to be OK.”
The museum is currently closed but is expected to reopen in the next few weeks. The goal is to raise $25,000.
To support the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center donations can be made using the following link.
The post Harriet Tubman Museum seeks community support after first-ever break-in appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
