Letter to Secretary Jewell - Finalize Park Agreement So Auburn, NY Can Tell Story of Harriet Tubman's Extraordinary Life For Current and Future Generations

Letter

Dear Secretary Jewell,

I write to urge the Department of the Interior (DOI) to allocate all available resources to ensure the establishment of the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park in Auburn, New York occurs before the end of this year. Once Harriet Tubman National Historic Park is established, it will be eligible for National Park Service (NPS) funding for operational and capital improvements to be undertaken that are necessary for the unit to be open to the public as a National Park. This is why it is imperative that you finalize the establishment, so we can celebrate another huge milestone in the opening of this important historical park and provide it the necessary resources to expedite its availability to the public.

As you know, The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in New York will be located in Auburn and commemorates the life of Harriet Tubman where she was active in the women's suffrage movement and in providing for the welfare of aged African Americans. This park was made possible by a provision in the FY 15 version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In order for the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park to open to the public as a unit of the National Park Service, it must first be officially established by acquiring a sufficient quantity of land, or interests in land, to constitute a manageable park unit. It has come to my attention that the AME Zion Church and Harriet Tubman Home have recently received approval from the New York State Attorney General to release the church for sale to the National Park Service (NPS). Now that New York State has approved this petition, the necessary land transfer can be completed, which will allow for the official establishment of the park.

Once establishment occurs, crucial first steps including the creation of a brochure, park website, and preservation plans for the Parker Street properties require funding through the DOI. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and the community have also invested significant resources in making the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park a reality. I urge you to have all of the available resources dedicated to completing the land transfer so that we can officially establish this historic park a unit of the Park Service, while also allowing for crucial federal investments to begin as soon as possible.

Again, I urge you to stand at the ready to establish the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park before the end of the year, so that the important legacy of Harriet Tubman can be told through the preservation of the site which includes the Tubman Home for the Aged, the Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, and Harriet Tubman's former residence. All of these pieces will help the park tell the important story of Harriet Tubman's heroic life for future generations.

I appreciate your attention to this important request and look forward to seeing this unit of the National Park Service become a reality as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator

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