Button Farm Living History Center - Menare Foundation

The Menare Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Underground Railroad history, historic sites and environments and to the creation of vibrant educational programs. Through assistance and training, Menare works with individuals, organizations and communities to use history as a spark for human potential.

The Button Farm, home to The Menare Foundation, is Maryland's only living history center depicting 19th century slave plantation life and the heroic story of the Underground Railroad through our unique living history experiences. Situated on 40-acres inside of Seneca Creek State Park in Germantown, MD, we operate under a long-term lease with the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources through the State Resident-Curatorship Program. Menare will restore and maintain the historic buildings and preserve the cultural landscape as a resource for education, preservation and heritage.

Menare Foundation/Button Farm has many Student Service Learning (SSL) approved volunteer opportunities! Students can earn SSL hours volunteering in a variety of ways including: taking photos at our special events; helping out as animal caretakers; assisting with general office administration; cataloging historic artifacts; removing invasive plants and vines; conducting and organizing inventory; helping out with Farm cleanups; gardening; helping set-up/take-down for special events, and much more!