Celebrating Harriet Tubman Day
March 10
A Legacy of Courage and Change
Harriet Tubman is celebrated as one of the most influential Black women in history, her courage, resilience, and commitment to justice shaping the course of American history. From her daring escapes on the Underground Railroad to her leadership role in the civil war to advocating for women’s rights and freedom, Tubman’s legacy remains a beacon of hope and strength. She is often referred to as the Moses of her people.
On March 10 the anniversary of her death and her birth month, we invite you to join us in recognizing Harriet Tubman’s many contributions. In Cayuga County, where her legacy is deeply rooted, Tubman’s story is more than history; it is a testament to the enduring power of courage and activism.
In this blog we take a deeper look at the life and accomplishments of this iconic figure. Let’s explore the landmarks where her footsteps left lasting impressions, delve into the history of her work, and highlight upcoming events in Cayuga County that commemorate her extraordinary journey.
Exploring Harriet Tubman’s Connection to Cayuga County
Follow in the footsteps of Harriet Tubman as you explore the places she frequented, hear stories of the people she knew, and the progress she made in the fight for abolition and women’s suffrage.
Key Places to Visit:
Harriet Tubman Home
The Harriet Tubman Residence was Tubman’s home during much of the time that she lived in Auburn, from 1859 to 1913. The land was sold to her in 1859 by the politician William H. Seward. On the same property is the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, here she fulfilled her dream of opening a home for poor and elderly African- Americans. In 1911, she was admitted there herself, and she remained there until her death in 1913.
Fort Hill Cemetery
Originally a settlement of early indigenous people, the Alleghan’s and later the Cayuga’s, this land was used for burial mounds as early as 1100 A.D. Pay your respects at the burial site of Harriet Tubman-Davis, whose headstone is engraved with the dedication “Servant of God, well done.
Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
The Thompson A.M.E. Zion Church is where Harriet Tubman attended services for 22 years. It is also where her funeral services were held March 13, 1914. Later in her life, she deeded the Home for the Aged to the church for it to manage after her death.
Seward House Museum
Home to William H. Seward, US Secretary of State under President Lincoln and his wife Frances. The Seward’s, avid abolitionists, invited Harriet to move to Auburn from St Catharine’s and sold her the property that she built her house -this was illegal at the time. Avid abolitionists their basement was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Equal Rights Heritage Center
Discover the role New Yorkers played in the abolition of slavery and in the Equal Rights Movement. Pose for a picture in the courtyard with a bronze statue of Harriet Tubman.
Lesser-Known Facts About Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman’s relatives say that she was an “ordinary woman who did extraordinary things.”
below are a few facts that you may not have known:
She was born Araminta (Minty) Ross. She adopted the name Harriet Tubman in 1844 after marrying John Tubman, a free Black man.
Harriet was her mother’s name.
Between 1850 to 1860, Tubman brought approximately 70 individuals (including her parents, Rit and Ben) to freedom. Tubman spoke proudly of her accomplishments and famously stated, “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger”.
She served as nurse, scout and spy during the Civil War. She is also the first women in U.S History to plan and lead a military expedition. Alongside 150 African American Union soldiers they rescued more than 700 enslaved people in the Combahee Ferry Raid.
On November 11, 2024, Tubman was posthumously commissioned as a one-star Brigadier General in the Maryland Army National Guard.
In 1978, Harriet Tubman was the first African American woman to be honored on a U.S. postage stamp.
The 13-cent stamp was the first in the Black Heritage series.
In 1896, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Women whose focus was on voting rights for African American women and men.
Upcoming Events:
Join together in the City of Auburn—the chosen hometown and resting place of Harriet Tubman—for the annual celebration of Harriet Tubman Day.
Officially proclaimed as a national holiday in 1990, Harriet Tubman Day is observed each year to honor her heroic work as a freedom fighter on the date of her passing on March 10, 1913, in Auburn, New York.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park at the Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 47 Parker Street, Auburn, for a community open house, complete with interactive programming and an official City of Auburn proclamation ceremony at noon to celebrate the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman Davis.
Other ways to honor Harriet Tubman
- Visit historical sites that commemorate her life and work.
- Learn more about her legacy through books, films, and exhibits.
- Continue her fight against injustice by supporting social justice organizations.
To learn more about Harriet Tubman, listen to our podcast “Walk in Her Footsteps: Harriet Tubman’s Life in Auburn, NY.” This four-part series, features academics, historians, and descendants who share insights into Tubman’s life and lasting impact on American history and the residents of her chosen hometown.
Harriet Tubman’s legacy continues to inspire generations. Her life was a testament to bravery, determination, and the pursuit of justice. As we celebrate her birthday, let us honor her memory by learning, remembering, and carrying forward her mission of freedom and equality for all.