March 10 th is Harriet Tubman Day-an American holiday in honor of activist Harriet Tubman. On this day take time to remember the heroic actions of this great woman and honor her memory by fighting racism and racial injustice wherever you encounter it. A little history... Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in March of 1822 in Dorchester, Maryland and died March 10, 1913, in Auburn, NY. She was…
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The Finger Lakes region has fabulous assets that make it an ideal place to live and travel, including our impressive historical figures who changed the way we live today. Among these impactful individuals are our own Harriet Tubman, Frances Seward, Martha Coffin Wright and Emily Howland, all of whom called Cayuga County home. Have you ever pondered what traits you might have that resemble those…
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Black American Culture by: Justin Harris Yesterday’s culture is the shell of today's culture. Read that again. Hundreds of years of oppression ironically facilitated and fueled a culture of freedom fighting in America. Out of this freedom Black Americans could find full expression and develop a culture that wasn’t related to African heritage or their bondage. The staples and stereotypes of black…
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March is Women’s History Month March is National Women’s History Month and it’s the perfect time to take a few moments to think about the many women who have done amazing things and maybe do a few rather amazing things yourself. So, grab one of your fabulous female friends and make some of your own history and fun in New York’s Finger Lakes Region, the birthplace of Women’s Rights! The early…
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Black History Month, celebrated every February in the United States, is the perfect time to learn about the achievements and history of African Americans. You can celebrate Black History not only in February but all year long in Cayuga County. This area is rich in history, making it the perfect setting to honor the legacy of the African American community. 1) Visit the historic William H. Seward…
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Did you know that Auburn and Cayuga County have deep ties to the Underground Railroad? In honor of September being International Underground Railroad month, we suggest you see these stops around Cayuga County associated with the famed path to freedom. About the Underground Railroad The Underground Railroad is considered by many to be the first great freedom movement in the Americas and the first…
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Did you know? Discover lesser known facts of Harriet Tubman's life and legacy. Today, Wednesday March 10 is Harriet Tubman Day. She passed away on this day 108 years ago in 1913, and this day has been recognized In the U.S. since 1990. 1. Harriet Tubman was married again in 1869 to former-slave, Civil War veteran Nelson Davis. Over 20 years younger, and sick from tuberculosis, Davis' skill as a…
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Harriet Tubman’s small stature looms large in our national narrative. Born enslaved in 1822, Tubman was first put out to work at the age of five checking muskrat traps in the cold winter waters of Dorchester County, MD. By six, she was tasked with keeping an infant quiet, a job from which she carried the scars of the whip her entire life. Enduring a severe head injury as a young teen, Tubman…
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Hard to find history Did you know that the first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916, and that it was in New York by the governor? And later in 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved the joint resolution designating November “National Native American Heritage Month. The area that now comprises Cayuga County was, prior to European settlement, homeland…
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Of the 16 places on the BINGO card, you may or may not have heard of them and know why they are significant. Here’s a little background on each of them. Please note that at this time some locations may be closed to visitors due to COVID-19. We are encouraging you to take a picture of the building and make a pledge to yourself that you’ll return to learn about these courageous women. A random…
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