Most people know Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist, activist, and Civil War hero, but less discussed is her private life as a resident of Auburn, New York, for 54 years. Now, visitors can experience one of the churches where Tubman worshipped at the newly restored Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and Parsonage. Built in 1891 and 1910, respectively, the structures are part of Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn. The National Park Service (NPS) has restored the long-disused church to appear as Tubman would have seen it in 1913, the year it held her funeral.
NPS and K2 Contracting Group (K2CG) spent nearly two years on the building’s restoration. Their work encompassed everything from replicating the roof to reproducing the historic stenciling and altar rail. “It’s a challenge maintaining the historical fabric of the structure while doing repairs that are necessary,” says Joseph Harper, senior project manager at K2CG. The process of researching the church’s 1913 appearance included referencing photographs and analyzing paint and wood samples to select historically accurate materials and colors.
Opened in June 2024, the church and rehabilitated parsonage, which now serves as a visitors center, join Auburn landmarks like Harriet Tubman’s house and her grave at Fort Hill Cemetery as sites that celebrate her legacy. Says Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino, “Being in [a] church where Harriet worshipped and where her funeral was held is a powerful experience.”
