In an effort to diversify the National Park System, the National Parks Groups are supporting a legislation to honor Harriet Tubman. The proposal was introduced by Senators Ben Cardin, Barbara Mikulski, Kristin Gillibrand, and Charles Schumer this week and plans to create national park sites along Maryland’s eastern shore and in Auburn, New York.
Alan Spears, a legislative representative and Associate Director of The National Parks Conversation Association (NPCA) is in favor of the proposal as well.
Spears said, “As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and reflect on the 100 years since her death, successful passage of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act is made even more appropriate. Harriet Tubman’s contributions to the war effort have often been overlooked but are as important as those of other heroes and patriots whose stories are more widely known.”
He continued saying, “The Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks will raise public understanding and awareness of Tubman’s valiant life work, and improve our understanding of the complex history of slavery in America. The national park sites will also ensure that the economic benefits of national parks such as job creation, heritage tourism, and education will be shared with communities along Maryland’s Eastern Shore as well as in Auburn, New York.”
