Press Release

Senator Gillibrand Visits The Harriet Tubman Home National Historical Park

May 26, 2017

Auburn, NY U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today visited the Harriet Tubman Home National Historical Park. She was joined by Karen Hill, Executive Director of the Harriet Tubman Home; Auburn Mayor Michael Quill; Rev. Carter, Manager of the Harriet Tubman Home site; and the Harriet Tubman Home Inc. Board of Directors.

“I take great strength from Harriet Tubman’s story,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Harriet Tubman is best known for bravely devoting her life to the end of slavery in America, but she also was a fiercely outspoken advocate for women’s rights and women’s suffrage, decades before women were granted the right to vote. I encourage all New Yorkers to visit the Harriet Tubman Home National Historical Park, so that we can all continue to be inspired by one of the great heroes and moral leaders in American history.”

“I greatly appreciate all of Senator Gillibrand’s hard work fighting for the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission. The Commission and the programs it funds are especially important to the City of Auburn, a central location in the women’s suffrage movement. The passage of this legislation will help to ensure that our city can showcase important sites such as the Harriet Tubman Home to fellow New Yorkers and Americans,” said Auburn Mayor Michael Quill.

“In addition to all of her Humanitarian work, Harriet Tubman was also a staunch suffragist who helped us realize some of the rights women hold today,” said Karen Hill, President and CEO Harriet Tubman Home Inc. “I would like to thank Senator Gillibrand for all the work she has done fighting for the rights of women and families, as well as for her work helping to secure National Park status for the Harriet Tubman Home and approval for the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission.” 

Senator Gillibrand’s visit follows the successful Congressional passage and enactment into law of Gillibrand’s Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission Act. The legislation will support educational programs around the country to celebrate the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote in America.

Senator Gillibrand helped lead the fight in the Senate to make Harriet Tubman’s home in Auburn a National Historical Park. The final approval for the National Historical Park was announced in January.