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The phrase “if you build it, they will come” from the movie, A Field of Dreams, suggests that if you create something worthwhile or of genuine value, people will be drawn to it naturally. It also suggests if something stimulates a person’s curiosity, or the desire to learn about something, people will be drawn to it.

In addition the concept implies that the quality or appeal of that creation will be enough to attract an audience without needing extensive advertising or promotion.

The 1989 movie, where the main character, Ray Kinsella, (an Iowa farmer played by Kevin Costner) is told to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield, and that people will come to it. In the movie, the ‘it’ is the baseball diamond and the ‘they’ are the baseball players from the past. That combination will then attract a multitude.

This month, the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum celebrates its ninth birthday. The museum too, was born from a field of dreams. The dreams of freedom seeking, where in a relatively untold part of American history, are celebrated. The dreams and the victory, ingenuity, hope and resilience of enslaved people and of their quest for freedom is on full display.

The museum is a ‘Living Library’ of the stories of people from the past, right here in Washington and all those who played a vital role in helping Washington to become one of this country’s National Park Service Underground Railroad Network To Freedom Sites.

As of today, the museum has hosted thousands of visitors from all 50 states and 48 countries from around the world. Some of those visitors come by the bus load and enjoy not only the museum, but all that Washington has to offer. The museum and the legacy of Washington’s role on the underground railroad has promoted itself. ‘A Field Of Dreams’ in a way. Happy Birthday Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum. Thank you and many blessings to all those and the city of Washington who made it happen. God Bless you!!!