SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — This year marks the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman’s birth.
To honor her legacy, the House of Representatives passed the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act last week.
The bill, which passed through the Senate earlier this year, will require the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins honoring the American hero. These include $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar copper-nickel coins.
Steve Tyler, a Park Ranger at The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, says the coins will help bring more attention to the Underground Railroad hero.
“People are becoming more aware – not just in Auburn but nationally – of the resource that Harriet Tubman was,” Tyler said.
Tyler says like many national parks, the Harriet Tubman Home attempts to paint a national picture with limited resources.
“It’s the story of America,” Tyler said.
Proceeds from sales of the coins will be split between the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati and the historic Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn.
Tyler says the money is the best way for Congress to honor Tubman’s legacy.
“For Congress to support [the park] through the sale of Harriet Tubman coins is an important way for them to do that,” Tyler said.
The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
