A Germantown historian is preparing to retrace one of the most powerful journeys in American history. Anthony Michael Cohen, founder of the Menare Foundation, plans to walk roughly 750 miles from Maryland to Canada to follow the path freedom seekers once traveled along the Underground Railroad—honoring the legacy of abolitionist Harriet Tubman and highlighting the courage of those who risked everything for freedom.
Cohen’s journey begins close to home in Montgomery County, where he has spent years preserving Underground Railroad history through educational programs and community initiatives. The walk will start in Sandy Spring, Maryland, a historic area known for its connections to abolitionist activity and Underground Railroad support networks. From there, the route will stretch north through several states before ending in Toronto, Canada.
A 750-Mile Walk to Remember History
Cohen originally completed a similar journey in 1996, walking north while researching historic sites connected to the Underground Railroad. Now decades later, he plans to make the journey again as part of a broader effort to reflect on American history and the values represented by Tubman’s fight for freedom.
Now at 62, Cohen is preparing to retrace his steps in 2026, focusing on themes of reflection and unity. “Let’s celebrate the remarkable moments of our past while looking ahead to our shared future,” Cohen expressed.
The upcoming 750-mile trek, named #FreedomWalk2026, will kick off on May 4 at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum. Cohen will journey through Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York, concluding in Toronto, Canada, on July 4, 2026.
This walk will be primarily funded through a per-mile pledge campaign, supported by the community via Cohen’s organization, the Menare Foundation. Cohen believes this grassroots backing mirrors the collective efforts that made the Underground Railroad successful during Tubman’s era.
Unlike his solo expedition three decades ago, which gained attention only after media coverage, Cohen will be accompanied this time by a small team of supporters. A highlight of the journey will be a 2,200-pound bronze sculpture of Harriet Tubman, crafted by North Carolina artist Wesley Wofford.
“The purpose of this walk is to shine a light on what Harriet Tubman represents as an American,” Cohen stated. “Harriet embodies unwavering courage, liberation, and humanitarianism.” The sculpture, named “Journey to Freedom,” will accompany the group and be showcased at various stops to foster community engagement.
Montgomery County continues to highlight its connection to Underground Railroad history, including sites and programs that preserve stories of freedom seekers and abolitionists across the region.
As Cohen travels from one town to another, he plans to visit historically significant sites each day to spotlight key landmarks associated with the Underground Railroad. On weekends, the team will host “Activation Days,” where the sculpture will be available for public viewing.
Cohen says the walk is meant to inspire reflection on courage, unity, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom. The Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad but a network of secret routes, safe houses, and supporters that helped enslaved people escape bondage in the years before the Civil War.
These events are anticipated to feature presentations, service projects, music, food, and community walks, allowing the public to participate in segments of the journey.
In addition to the Menare Foundation, the #FreedomWalk2026 initiative has garnered support from several nonprofit organizations, including Coming to the Table, Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth, Washington Revels, and the Potomac Community Foundation.
