Senate Resolution No. 668

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMEMORATING the establishment of the Harriet
Tubman National Historical Park (NHP), in Auburn,
New York as the 414th unit of the National Park
System

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions;
these institutions give positive definitions to the profile and
disposition of the communities of the State of New York and profoundly
strengthen our society with their commitment; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the establishment of the Harriet Tubman National Historical
Park (NHP), in Auburn, New York as the 414th unit of the National Park
System; and

WHEREAS, The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park recognizes the
work of the fearless Underground Railroad conductor during her later
years in life, when she was an active proponent of women's suffrage and
other causes; and

WHEREAS, The park is committed to showcasing a more complete history
of one of America's pivotal humanitarians who, at great risk, did so
much to secure the freedom of hundreds of formerly enslaved people; her
selfless commitment to a more perfect union is testament that one
determined person, no matter her station in life or the odds against
her, can make a tremendous difference; and

WHEREAS, Harriet Tubman National Historical Park is located at the
site where Harriet Tubman lived and worshipped in Auburn, New York,
caring for family members and other formerly enslaved people seeking
safe haven in the North; and

WHEREAS, The historic Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, located
within the park, was constructed in 1891 is directly connected to
Harriet Tubman, her family, her many supporters and the African American
community of the time; the rectory adjacent to the Church is located
across the street from the For Hill Cemetery, the location of Harriet
Tubman's grave; and

WHEREAS, The church as well as the park will provide a strong
physical basis for telling the story of Tubman's years following the
Civil War when she was active in the women's suffrage movement, in the
AME Zion Church and in the establishment of a home for elderly, indigent
African Americans; and

WHEREAS, The founding of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
symbolizes New York's great appreciation for Harriet Tubman's entire
life of service as a soldier for this country; the park ensures our
ability to live by Tubman's core values of freedom, family, faith,
community, justice, self-determination and equality; and


WHEREAS, The Tubman Historical Park will be a magnet for visitors
that will tell the story of Harriet Tubman's life, and preserve her
legacy as one of the greatest icons of American history for countless
generations; and

WHEREAS, The National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of
America's national parks, was instrumental in the effort to establish
the park; by preserving the important places and artifacts related to
the abolitionist and humanitarian Harriet Tubman, people will be able to
discover how their unique experiences connect to her life and legacy;
and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body that when
historical sites of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the establishment of the Harriet Tubman National Historical
Park (NHP), in Auburn, New York as the 414th unit of the National Park
System; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Will Shafroth, President of the National Park Foundation.