In celebration of International Underground Railroad Month, officials gathered in Auburn, New York this weekend, to offer updates on the various efforts underway to further commemorate the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, the renowned abolitionist who lived in the upstate town for more than five decades, until her death.
The Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State continues to work on creating a Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad corridor, and on getting it designated as a state Scenic Byway in a couple of years. It would run from New York City, through Albany, up to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, including the Suspension Bridge that brought many freedom seekers to Canada.
There’s currently a corridor in Maryland, and the president of the consortium board, Ally Spongr, says the local one will follow some of the original routes that enslaved people escaping from bondage to freedom, and teach visitors about the history of New York’s portion of the Underground Railroad.
“Many of our sites are in rural areas that haven’t necessarily gotten the attention that the stories so much deserve,” said Spongr. “So by bringing us together, we’re a stronger force to tell the bigger picture of the Underground Railroad, alongside all of those stories of our local community.”
Spongr says the consortium plans to work with Canada on the initiative.
Meanwhile, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park organization continues restorations of the Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, located where Tubman used to worship and where, according to the landmark’s website, the renowned abolitionist was buried in 1913. The restorations began last year, including increasing accessibility and reinstating the church’s original pendant lights.
Park Superintendent Ahna Wilson says the park is also looking to create new, temporary exhibits, and that some projects will take three to five years to complete.
Karen Kuhl, director of the Cayuga County Tourism Office also spoke at the weekend event, about the Pride of Place campaign that began last year. She said the Initiative honors Tubman’s legacy in her chosen hometown of Auburn, without painting a false picture of the town’s reception of Tubman.
“So many residents in Auburn did not know that this was Harriet Tubman's chosen hometown, that she spent over 50 years of her life here. And some knew and didn't like that,” said Kuhl. “So we took it upon ourselves to start gathering voices in the community to say, ‘I'm proud. I’m proud’.”
The Pride of Place campaign also includes videos of Auburn residents sharing their stories.
