Auburn will mark Harriet Tubman Day on March 10 with a full day of free programs at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and an evening event downtown.
The annual observance honors Tubman on the date of her death in Auburn in 1913. Organizers have planned talks, exhibits, hands-on activities and a keynote address across two locations.
Daytime events will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, including Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and the Parsonage visitor center at 47 Parker St.
A proclamation ceremony is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. at the church. Rangers will present two talks: “Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church: The Story of Community and Faith” from 1:30 to 2 p.m., and “The Deliverer: Excerpts from Night Flyer” from 2:30 to 3 p.m.
All-day activities at the church will include memorial tables honoring Karen Hill and Pauline Copes Johnson, a special exhibit titled “Reflections on a ‘Useful and Heroic Life,’” a community “Wish Wall,” bracelet-making, and Harriet Tubman Day buttons and coloring sheets.
At the Parsonage, visitors can view the exhibit “Community Case: Celebrating Harriet Tubman,” pick up junior ranger activity books and receive park passport cancellation stamps.
An evening program will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center, 25 South St. The event will feature community partners and a keynote address by Dr. Tanisha M. Jackson of Syracuse University and the Community Folk Art Center.
Organizers said daytime programming at the national historical park has limited capacity because of site constraints. The evening program at the Equal Rights Heritage Center can accommodate a larger audience.
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