Harriet Tubman Museum calls for community support after break-in just weeks after grand reopening

CAMBRIDGE, Md. — On July 11, a thief broke into the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center and stole a donation box that staff estimate held about $3,000, according to museum officials.

The intruder damaged the rear entrance, entered the building and went directly to the box before fleeing.

Museum Director Linda Harris told the Baltimore Sun the theft hit hard because the museum relies entirely on donations. She had emptied the box the previous week, but she believes visitors contributed about $3,000 in the days before the break‑in.

As a result of the break-in, the museum is closed until further notice.

Harriet Tubman Museum Still Recovering From Flood Damage

The crime comes at a difficult time for the volunteer‑run museum in Maryland. Flooding forced the museum to close in May 2025, and it remained shut for more than a year during a full renovation.

Because repairs required new flooring, electrical work and updated exhibits, the museum reopened slowly.

It held a soft reopening on March 28, 2026. Then, after months of preparation, it celebrated a grand reopening on June 13. Attendance climbed quickly, and staff said visitors were returning in strong numbers.

Now, the break‑in has disrupted that progress.

Police Believe Thief Knew the Building

Cambridge Police Capt. Antoine Patton told WBOC that investigators believe the thief knew the museum’s layout. He said the intruder went straight to the donation box and ignored other items inside the building.

“We believe this was an opportunist who had been inside the museum before. It appeared that they broke into the rear door and walked right in and walked directly to the money and took the money container and walked out. Nothing else inside the museum was disturbed and bothered,” Patton said.

Police have no suspects, and the museum plans to file an insurance claim.

The break‑in damaged the door, frame and locks. Staff also need new security cameras and additional lighting.

Harriet Tubman Museum Asks Community for Help

Harris said the museum must cover repair costs while continuing daily operations. She estimates the museum will need to spend between $10,000 and $20,000.

She said community support will help the museum stay open and protect Tubman’s legacy.

“We would greatly appreciate any donations to make up for what was lost and remedy the effects of this disheartening crime,” the museum wrote on its website.

Those interested in donating can visit the museum’s website.

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