Sculpture Honoring Harriet Tubman at John Brown Farm
The ceremony includes a performance by High Peaks Bell Choir, book readings.
“Beacon of Hope,” the nationally recognized sculpture of Harriet Tubman, will be unveiled on Friday, July 5, at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid. John Brown Lives! will host the unveiling ceremony. The event is open to the public and will commence a months-long celebration of Harriet Tubman's enduring legacy.
“Almost two hundred years ago, Harriet Tubman and John Brown were friends and comrades fighting to end slavery in the United States. Today, we are honored to unveil this commanding statue of Tubman and symbolically reunite these two historic figures here at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site. We invite all who can to come by the Farm this summer to be inspired and challenged. And we are grateful to all those who help bring this story to life here in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York," said Martha Swan, Founder and Executive Director of John Brown Lives!
The unveiling ceremony will begin at 2 pm and commemorate the famed self-emancipated abolitionist. It will start with a performance by The High Peaks Bell Choir. Ringing bells for freedom will launch a year-long initiative of the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State (URCNYS) to raise awareness of slavery in New York State and the coming bicentennial in 2027 of the “official end” of slavery in the state in 1827.
The program will co-feature the reading of an original work by local student Felicity Contreras and a read-aloud session by award-winning author Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrator James Ransome.
"The inspiring figure of Harriet Tubman continues to serve as a guiding force for bravery, commitment and dedication to the community," remarked Cline-Ransome. Symbolizing Tubman's Entrepreneurial drive and her selfless care for others, apple pie and root beer will be served.
Historic John Brown Farm.
Wesley Wofford created the sculpture “Beacon of Hope,” a 13-foot-tall bronze statue of Harriet Tubman. It is touring the U.S. and will be displayed at John Brown Farm through Sept. 30.
In conjunction with the monument’s residency, John Brown Lives! will host companion events throughout the summer to elaborate further on Harriet Tubman's life and legacy. These events will include a celestial navigation activity, demonstrating how Harriet Tubman used the night sky to guide her many journeys to freedom and her Union spy and scout activities during the Civil War.
For updates on other special programs and activities, go to www.johnbrownlives.org. You can also email info@johnbrownlives.org to inquire about summer camp visits and school field trips next fall.
The monument’s residency and additional programming are made possible with support from Lake Placid Public Library, North Elba LEAF, Stewart’s/Dake Family Foundation, and Humanities New York.
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