Opening June 22, 2024After years of careful restoration and rehabilitation, The Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and parsonage will open to the public on June 22, 2024. Both buildings are part of Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. When Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, New York, was established by the United States Department of the Interior in 2017, the park boundary included two distinct parcels of land: the Harriet Tubman Home property at 180 South Street, and the historic Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and Parsonage on Parker Street. The church was included in the park due to its significance in Harriet Tubman’s life, and at the end of her life; it was in this church that her 1913 funeral took place. Now that the church is ready to open to the public, it will open first to the Auburn community, who helped make the park a reality. The June 22 community opening event will begin at 11am. Visitors and guests will have an opportunity to tour the site, view the restored church, and see new exhibits detailing Harriet Tubman’s life in Auburn and the history of the church. This event will coincide with the city’s Juneteenth celebrations. “Park staff are incredibly excited to open this site to the public and share just a portion of Harriet Tubman’s expansive legacy in Auburn with our visitors to the site,” says Superintendent Ahna Wilson. Following the opening event on June 22, the church and parsonage, which serves as a visitor-contact station, will be open on Fridays and Saturdays. These hours may change, but the limited opening will help the park determine operational needs before a grand opening event in the summer of 2025. Superintendent Wilson is optimistic about the future of the park and its partnerships, stating, “We look forward to working with the community, neighbors, and important organizations such as the Harriet Tubman Home, Inc., Equal Rights Heritage Center, and Seward House Museum to explore how Harriet Tubman’s legacy continues to positively influence people today.” Event SpeakersNational Anthem & Lift Every Voice and Sing - Performed by SingTreceOpening Remarks - Ahna Wilson, Superintendent Karen Hill - Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. Mayor Jimmy Giannettino - City of Auburn, New York Judy Bryant, Michele Jones Galvin - Harriet Tubman Family Decendants Stand Up (from the film Harriet) - Performed by SingTrece Following the opening ceremony, visitors are invited to tour the site at their own pace. Frequently Asked Questions The event will be held at 47 Parker Street, Auburn, NY 13021. This site encompasses the Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and its parsonage. For specific directions, visit our Directions page.
Street parking in the city of Auburn is alternate-side parking on alternating days. Plese be aware that due to visitation, street parking may be limited. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and park on adjacent streets. A parking garage is located about 1 mile away on Lincoln Street. Please be aware that this site is located in a residential neighborhood, help us to be good neighbors. Please follow traffic laws as well as common courtesy: do not block driveways, fire hydrants, or sidewalks. Please keep all four tires on the road, and do not enter neighbors' yards or driveways. |
Last updated: June 7, 2024