31. Preserving the History of the Underground Railroad with Tony Cohen

This week we spoke with historian, nonprofit founder, and author Tony Cohen, who operates Button Farm, Maryland’s only living history center depicting 19th-century slave plantation life and the heroic story of the Underground Railroad. Tony has dedicated his studies and work to preserving the Underground Railroad’s history, historic sites and environments. In this episode, he shares with us stories of his own travels along the Underground Railroad on foot, in an effort to recreate some of the original travelers' sensory experience of the landscape and the monumental physical challenges they endured in the pursuit of freedom. Tony also shares the story of meeting Oprah Winfrey and working with her in preparation for her starring role in the film, BELOVED, based on the book by Toni Morrison. Tony is founder and director of the Menare Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the creation of cutting edge educational programs, including an Underground Railroad immersion experience based on the work he did with Oprah Winfrey. 

1:20 - Mary and Emma check in with the Slow Living Challenge

7:10 - The Spring Grow Your Own Food Intensive

Let’s get into the interview!

8:40 - Tony introduces himself and The Menare Foundation

12:50 - Why start a nonprofit?

17:00 - Tony’s experience walking the route of The Underground Railroad

20:00 - Mary’s land and its connection to The Underground Railroad

27:00 - Tracking down your roots along The Underground Railroad

36:00 - Tony’s connection to the Harriet Tubman Museum

38:00 - How Tony got involved with Oprah Winfrey

49:00 - What is Button Farm?

57:00 - Tony’s work in relationship to Good Dirt

 Mentions: 

• Slow Living Challenge
• Grow Your Own Food Intensive Workshop
• The ALMANAC
• Button Farm Living History Center
• The Menare Foundation
• The Underground railroad in Montgomery County, Maryland: A history and driving guide
• Chesapeake Tours
• The Chesapeake Fibershed
• Beloved by Toni Morrison