Stealing Freedom - Book Talk with Author Elisa Carbone

Elisa Carbone discusses her book *Stealing Freedom* (Knopf, 1998), sharing artifacts, research methods, and stories from the process of writing it. The book tells the true story of Ann Maria Weems, who was enslaved in Rockville and escaped along the Underground Railroad as a young teenager.

The program also explores the local history connected to the Underground Railroad Experience Trail at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring. Local historian Anthony Cohen developed the trail while Oprah Winfrey was making the film *Beloved*, and Carbone once led Winfrey through the trail as part of an immersive historical experience. The book talk will take place on the first floor of Rockville Memorial Library and is suitable for attendees of all ages.

When: Thursday, September 3, 2026

Showtimes: 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Price not available

Presenter: Peerless Rockville

Featured author: Elisa Carbone

Book: *Stealing Freedom* (Knopf, 1998)

Ages: Appropriate for all ages

Venue: Montgomery County Library – Rockville Memorial, 21 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850

Location note: The book talk will be held on the first floor of Rockville Memorial Library.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.

Related site: The Underground Railroad Experience Trail is located at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, Maryland.