Schumer, Gillibrand announce the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act passes the Senate; when signed into law, proceeds will benefit the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, NY to preserve Tubman's legacy and fund education initiatives of the historic site

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act has passed the Senate. The senators explained that the proceeds from the commemorative coins will benefit the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, New York, and further allow them to advance their mission in preserving Harriet Tubman's life story and legacy.

"The Harriet Tubman Home is a beloved site in Upstate New York that plays an essential role in educating the public and visitors from across the country on Tubman's extraordinary life. I am proud to have fought to formally establish the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Cayuga County, and am proud to have continued that fight with this bill to ensure Tubman's history in New York continues to live on," said Senator Schumer. "This legislation will serve the solemn purpose of ensuring Harriet Tubman's story continues to receive the recognition it deserves and the proceeds will help preserve her legacy at the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn for countless generations to come."

"The Harriet Tubman Home educates thousands of visitors each year on Tubman's extraordinary life and legacy," said Senator Gillibrand. "The proceeds from this coin will ensure that the story of her relentless fight for abolition and women's suffrage lives on in Auburn and beyond. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Schumer to pass this legislation and encourage all New Yorkers to visit the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park to be inspired by Tubman's heroism and moral leadership.

"In this bi-centennial year of Harriet Tubman it is huge that there is bicameral and bipartisan support to honor her life and legacy with the commemorative coins. Tubman's heroism, patriotism and activism are all a part of what made America. We thank Rep. Katko and Rep. Meeks in the House and Sen. Rosen, Sen. Portman and Sen. Schumer for their work in making the Tubman Bi-centennial Coin Act a reality. We look forward to working with Treasury, corporate and nonprofit partners to ensure that these coins saturate America and become a beloved family keepsake. Again, many thanks to all who are making this a reality." Karen V. Hill, President and CEO, Harriet Tubman Home, Inc.

"As the Chair of the Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. and the Presiding Bishop of the state of New York for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The chosen church of the FREE Harriet, we are pleased to see the bipartisan support for our beloved patriot, Harriet Tubman, in her bicentennial year! The three commemorative coins from the U.S. Mint are most fitting! We are the stewards of Tubman's legacy. Our goal remains to find meaningful ways to share Harriet with freedom loving people throughout the world. The coins are a symbol of Tubman's quest for freedom, equity and destiny. The ideals of democracy." Dr. Dennis V. Proctor, Chairman, Harriet Tubman Home, Inc.

The Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act was introduced in the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), alongside Senator Rob Portman (R-OH). Specifically, the legislation directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury to mint $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins honoring the legacy of Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist. All proceeds from the sale of coins issued will benefit The Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in Auburn, New York and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the purpose of accomplishing and advancing their missions.

Schumer has been a longtime advocate for the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. Schumer authored and passed the initial legislation authorizing the establishment of the park. This legislation was passed as a part of the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included a provision that created two National Historical Parks, one in New York and one in Maryland. He then successfully pushed the Department of Justice to sign a land transfer agreement allowing the site to be established as an official unit of the National Park Service. In 2017, after years of advocacy the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park was officially established.

The Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. is an independent non-profit established by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to manage and operate the homestead of Ms. Tubman. The Harriet Tubman Home is charged with sharing Harriet Tubman's core values with visitors through a guided tour of the property.

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