Tubman site discovery offers big clues on life of enslaved people there. What we know.

Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday joined local, state and federal partners at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Dorchester County to announce the discovery of a home where enslaved people lived on the Thompson Farm, the birthplace of Harriet Tubman.

Here's what we know about the big discovery.

Big news follows other recent Tubman family discovery

• The home is believed to be that of an enslaved overseer, possibly Jerry Manokey — and it follows the April 2021 announcement of the discovery of the home of Ben Ross, Harriet Tubman’s father.

• Maryland Department of Transportation Chief Archaeologist Dr. Julie Schablitsky and her team have been searching for the homes of those enslaved on the Thompson Farm for more than two years. This home discovery is on private property, while the archaeological remains of Ross’s home are located on the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

What was uncovered in Tuesday's discovery

Beneath layers of soil, archaeologists uncovered a substantial brick building foundation of the home., and also a West African spirit cache, including:

• A glass heart-shaped perfume bottle stopper.

• A white ceramic dish.

• And a copper alloy button.

Enslaved people are believed to have placed the cache in front of the home’s fireplace to protect the occupants from negative spirits.

Gov. Moore, others react to the big Tubman news

“Harriet Tubman’s birthplace is sacred ground, and this discovery is part of our ongoing commitment to preserve the legacy of those who lived here,” said Gov. Moore. “The find reveals untold stories of the past that help us both understand the history we share and inspire us to make a better future.”

“This fascinating discovery adds another chapter to the incredible story of Harriet Tubman, a Marylander who led a life in pursuit of freedom for herself and others,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “I’m proud of the dedicated work of our archaeologists; their efforts reflect our commitment to preserve and protect the heritage of Maryland’s communities.”

Visiting the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

The findings will soon be on display at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Here's what to know about visiting the center:

• The center is its own National Park Service site and is located at 4068 Golden Hill Road in Church Creek.

• A partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park operates the 16,000-square foot visitor center.

• The state park covers 17 acres and is adjacent to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

• The center is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Black History Month events to enjoy

The visitor center is honoring the famed abolitionist with a series of events on Saturdays in February during Black History Month. Learn more about the programs here.

Read more about Harriet Tubman, Black history

HARRIET TUBMAN'S LIFE:Harriet Tubman: Farm life planted seed that grew into rebellion

BUFFALO SOLDIERS:Buffalo soldier's family land in Wicomico being rediscovered, reimagined into trail

CELEBRATING HARRIET TUBMAN:How Maryland is celebrating Harriet Tubman, reexamining her role in this year and beyond

GRANDFATHER OF GOSPEL:'Grandfather of Gospel': Eastern Shore birthplace to commemorate the Rev. Charles Tindley

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Gov. Wes Moore joins in unveiling big news at Tubman site on Shore