Show notes
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 Challenge7:10 - The Spring Grow Your Own Food IntensiveLet’s get into the interview!8:40 - Tony introduces himself and The Menare Foundation12:50 - Why start a nonprofit?17:00 - Tony’s experience walking the route of The Underground Railroad20:00 - Mary’s land and its connection to The Underground Railroad27:00 - Tracking down your roots along The Underground Railroad36:00 - Tony’s connection to the Harriet Tubman Museum38:00 - How Tony got involved with Oprah Winfrey49:00 - What is Button Farm?57:00 - Tony’s work in relationship to Good Dirt Mentions: Slow Living ChallengeGrow Your Own Food Intensive WorkshopThe ALMANACButton Farm Living History CenterThe Menare FoundationThe Underground railroad in Montgomery County, Maryland: A history and driving guideChesapeake ToursThe Chesapeake FibershedBeloved by Toni MorrisonMentioned in this episode:Join The ALMANAC CommunityALMANAC TGD Discount
