Harriet Tubman Day

Harriet Tubman Day is observed on March 10. This American holiday honors the life and legacy of the abolitionist, humanitarian, and Civil War hero who became the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. It is a day of reflection on the struggle for freedom and a celebration of a woman who risked her life repeatedly to lead others out of bondage and into a life of liberty.

History of Harriet Tubman Day

The official recognition of this day began in 1990 when the 101st United States Congress passed a joint resolution to designate March 10 as Harriet Tubman Day. President George H.W. Bush signed Proclamation 6107 on March 9, 1990, calling upon the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. The date was specifically chosen to commemorate the anniversary of her passing on March 10, 1913, in Auburn, New York, where she spent her final years.

While the day is a national observance, it holds significant legal status in specific states. New York, where Tubman lived as a free woman, officially recognized the day in 2003, and Maryland, her birthplace, has established it as a permanent day of remembrance. The holiday has gained further prominence through the establishment of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and ongoing efforts to feature her portrait on the United States twenty-dollar bill.

Why is Harriet Tubman Day important?

The observance of this day ensures that the narrative of American history includes the voices and actions of those who fought against systemic oppression. Harriet Tubman’s work was not limited to the Underground Railroad; she was also a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. Her leadership during the Combahee River Raid, which liberated over 700 enslaved people, remains a landmark event as she was the first woman to lead an armed assault during the war.

Recognizing Tubman’s legacy also highlights her later work as a suffragist and community leader. After the war, she worked alongside figures like Susan B. Anthony to advocate for women’s right to vote and established a home for the aged in Auburn. Her life serves as a testament to the power of individual courage and the impact of a single person dedicated to justice, equality, and the service of others regardless of the risks involved.

• Tubman made approximately 13 trips back to the South and never lost a single passenger.
• She used the North Star and secret coded songs to navigate the dangerous routes to freedom.
• Her nickname “Moses” reflected her role as a spiritual and physical leader for her people.
• She suffered from lifelong seizures and headaches due to a traumatic head injury sustained as a child.
• Tubman’s military service was eventually recognized with a veteran’s pension and a formal military burial.

How to Observe Harriet Tubman Day

Visiting historical sites associated with the Underground Railroad is a primary way to observe this day. Many people travel to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Maryland or her home in Auburn, New York, to participate in guided tours and educational workshops. These locations often host special events, such as lectures by historians or performances by re-enactors, to bring her story to life for new generations of students and families.

Individuals can also observe the day through personal education and community service. Reading biographies or watching documentaries about Tubman’s life helps provide a deeper understanding of the historical context of slavery and the abolitionist movement. Many communities use the day to support local organizations that work for civil rights and social justice, carrying on Tubman’s mission of helping the marginalized and ensuring that the path to freedom remains open for everyone.

• Read a biography or watch a documentary about Tubman’s life and the Underground Railroad.
• Visit a local museum or historical site dedicated to African American history.
• Support modern-day organizations that fight against human trafficking and for civil rights.
• Share educational posts about Tubman’s accomplishments as a scout and spy on social media.
• Participate in a local walk or hike to reflect on the physical journey Tubman took to reach freedom.

Harriet Tubman Day Dates Table