With Juneteenth gaining nationwide recognition, I envision the immense joy Harriet Tubman would experience seeing her cherished hometown embrace this historic moment. Having spent the last 54 years of her life in Auburn, NY, the city is now poised to pay homage to her enduring legacy.
Harriet Tubman’s life in Auburn, New York, stands as a testament to her remarkable resilience and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice. After escaping from slavery and dedicating herself to the Underground Railroad, Tubman settled in Auburn in the mid-1850s. Here, amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Finger Lakes region, Tubman found solace and purpose. Auburn became not only her home but also a hub of activism and refuge for fellow freedom seekers. Tubman’s residence in Auburn was a place of sanctuary, where she continued her fight against slavery while also advocating for women’s suffrage and the rights of marginalized communities. Her legacy lives on in Auburn, where her memory is honored and celebrated as a beacon of courage and hope.
The city has so many great activities scheduled and we spoke with a representative to explore why celebrating Juneteenth in the Finger Lakes is an important and unforgettable experience.
We see that Finger Lakes, NY has been home to many including not only Harriet Tubman but Fredrick Douglas. Share with us why celebrating Juneteenth in the Finger Lakes is an important and unforgettable experience.
Often, the rich history of the Finger Lakes is palpable, not just in its many historical sites, but everywhere. In Auburn, where Harriet Tubman lived for the final 50+ years of her life, and in Rochester, where Frederick Douglass lived longer than anywhere else in his life—there are very few times of year where this significance can be felt more clearly than on Juneteenth. Here, and in so many other spots in the Finger Lakes, the holiday becomes so much more than a just day, or even a week. Parades, galas, theatrical productions, community events—celebrations of all kinds are scattered throughout the entire month of June. Time and time again, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing visitors describe the once-in-a-lifetime, even life-changing experiences that they had while in the Finger Lakes—learning about its history and witnessing its vibrant community. There’s just something so special about honoring Juneteenth in a destination where Black history is so palpable, well-preserved, and celebrated.
We believe that visiting the home of Harriet Tubman on Juneteenth is something memorable. What are some things that visitors can look forward to seeing upon visiting the home?
Upon visiting Harriet Tubman’s chosen hometown in Auburn, there is so much for visitors to look forward to—Juneteenth events aside. Here, there are countless ways to engage with the area’s rich legacy of Black history year-round. The Harriet Tubman Home—just about a mile’s walk (or drive) outside of downtown—offers twice-daily tours and the opportunity to walk directly in Tubman’s footsteps. Though her residence is currently closed for restorations, visitors are able to walk through her self-made Home for the Aged, explore the property that she owned, and peruse the Harriet Tubman visitors center. Tours are led by Rev. Paul Carter, who really does bring Tubman’s story to life, offering a personal guarantee that everyone will learn at least one thing about Tubman’s life that they didn’t already know.
What do you believe led to Harriet Tubman making Finger Lakes her home?
I believe there are a number of reasons why Harriet Tubman—or anyone, really—might choose to live in the Finger Lakes. Those who take a tour of the Harriet Tubman Home will hear that it was because her mother, whom she had brought with her to Canada, asked her daughter to move her somewhere warmer. But I believe it’s so much more than that. While it may have been the impetus for her move, I believe it was the community that she found here that inspired her to stay for the next 50+ years. In addition to many other abolitionists, located within Auburn was a settlement of free Black individuals named New Guinea, founded by Harry and Kate Freeman. At the time that Tubman settled in Auburn, the Finger Lakes were quite a hotspot in several equal rights movements—from abolition to suffrage, and more. I believe it was the community she found, the friends she made, and the close proximity to other revolutionary change-makers that led her to call the Finger Lakes home.
So now that you have some historical insight on why visiting Finger Lakes, NY to see the home of Harriet Tubman and explore the city is important, we hope you put this on your agenda for Juneteenth! Take a look below at some activities happening during the month of June in Finger Lakes, NY!
