< Return to Search Results

Freedom Site of Emily Plummer and Her Children

 

Members of the extended Plummer family dreamed of freedom from slavery. The best place to commemorate the escape and achievement of this aspiration for Emily Plummer and her younger children, is at the home of Emily Plummer's husband Adam Plummer at the Calvert plantation Riversdale, in Prince George's County, Maryland (MD). Here Adam brought back his wife and children to live in freedom after they escaped from a plantation in Ellicott City, MD, were caught, jailed in Baltimore, and could not be reclaimed by their master.

 

The lives of Adam and Emily Plummer are remarkably well documented considering both were born and raised enslaved.Records on the lives of the Plummers include a book by their daughter Nellie Arnold Plummer called Out of the Depths, letters between Emily and Adam Plummer, and newly recovered portions of a diary by Adam Plummer , now held at Anacostia Museum.

Riversdale is now a house museum, owned and operated by Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Riversdale interprets the attainment of freedom for this family through a booklet on Adam Plummer and his family, an exhibit panel, and occasional events commemorating the lives of the Plummer family.

 

Visitor Information: Currently open to public.

Location: Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, Prince George's, 20737

National Register/National Historic Landmark Status: Riversdale

National Park Unit: No

Ownership: Director Riverdale House Musem

Location Type: Site