Harriet Tubman Museum Seeks Donations After Break-In Forces Closure
The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center is asking for community support after a break-in caused thousands of dollars in losses and forced the historic Maryland institution to close only a month after reopening.
The Cambridge museum had recently welcomed visitors back following extensive repairs for flood damage. Museum leaders said someone broke through the building’s rear entrance during the weekend of July 11 and stole its donation box.
“The weekend of July 11, we were the unfortunate victims of vandalism. Our back door was broken, and our donation box was stolen,” the museum said in a statement. “We will be closed until further notice as we assess the damage and work to repair it.”
The museum’s website now lists the center as closed until further notice because of the vandalism.
Police Believe Thief Knew Museum’s Layout
Investigators believe the person responsible may have previously visited the museum and knew where its donation money was kept.
The stolen container held approximately $3,000, according to reports.
“They knew exactly where the money was,” Cambridge Police Capt. Antoine Patton told WBOC. “We believe this was an opportunist who had been inside the museum before. It appeared that they broke into the rear door, walked right in, walked directly to the money, took the money container, and walked out. Nothing else inside the museum was disturbed or bothered.”
The investigation has been complicated by the museum’s security cameras being offline during its transition back into the building following the flood repairs. Police are reviewing footage from cameras on nearby properties for possible evidence.
Authorities are also asking anyone who saw suspicious activity near the museum between Friday and Sunday evening to contact Cambridge Police at 410-228-3333.
Repairs Could Cost Up to $20,000
The theft represents a substantial setback for the museum, which does not charge admission and relies entirely on donations to remain open.
Linda Harris, the museum’s director of events and programming, estimates that repairing the damaged door and installing improved cameras, lighting and other security equipment could cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
“We weren’t planning for this,” Harris said. “We just raised money to redo our museum. Now we’ve got to raise more money. So, I’m very sad. This place has been here since 1992. It’s an institution. It conveys the story of a person born here in Cambridge. And for someone to vandalize it, it’s pretty sad.”
The center preserves the history of Tubman and other influential Black residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore through exhibits, tours, educational events and community programs.
The museum’s June reopening introduced a renovated interior and new murals designed to create a more immersive account of Tubman’s life and work.
Museum officials are now collecting donations through the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center’s official website as they work to repair the damage and reopen to visitors.
To donate, click here.
