African American Heritage

Goshen Farm is committed to honoring and sharing African American history and culture in Anne Arundel County. Our African American Heritage Committee, led by Linda Páez, works to uncover the stories of those who lived and worked on this land, ensuring their contributions are recognized and remembered.

Goshen Farm has recently been awarded recognition as an official site of the Underground Railroad by the National Park Service Network to Freedom.

Get Involved

Anyone who would like to offer an oral history, help plan events, or become a member of the committee in another capacity is encouraged to reach out. Oral histories are vital to preserving the stories of our community, and we would be honored to hear from you.

Contact Linda Páez, Committee Chair

African American Heritage Committee Mission Statement

The Goshen Farm African American Heritage Committee is dedicated to discovering, documenting, and preserving the rich African American history connected to Goshen Farm. Through education, interpretation, storytelling, and community engagement, we seek to inspire greater understanding and appreciation of the lives and legacies that shaped this land. Our mission is to present and promote this heritage with integrity and purpose—ensuring that the voices, contributions, and experiences of African Americans at Goshen Farm are honored, shared, and remembered for generations to come.

Linda Páez, Chair of the African American Heritage Committee
Linda Páez, Chair of the African American Heritage Committee, represented Goshen Farm at the Kunta Kinte Celebrations event at Navy Stadium on April 29, 2026, the 50th anniversary of "Roots" by Alex Haley.
Historic Goshen Farm Officially Recognized by National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

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The Creation of the Henson-Hall Garden

The Henson-Hall Garden is named after Jack Hanson, and Nace Hall, two enslaved persons at Goshen Farm.
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Quilt
We're honored to display this meaningful quilt created by Goshen Farm member Fran Bents, representing the tradition of coded quilts and the Underground Railroad. According to tradition, these quilts hung on fences or in windows with hidden messages offering direction, warning, or hope to freedom seekers. Whether historical practice or symbolic tribute, these quilts honor the courage and ingenuity of those who risked everything for freedom—including here at Goshen Farm, now an official Underground Railroad site on the National Park Service Network to Freedom.