In honor of Women’s History Month, The Brown Quilters Create and Educate Group returns for a new exhibition inspired by the life of Harriet Tubman. Through quilts and fiber arts, each artist has reflected elements of the life of Harriet Tubman; as a “conductor” of the Underground Railroad, a scout, spy, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. She is considered the first African American woman to serve in the military.
After the war, Tubman raised funds to aid freedmen, joined Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony in their quest for women’s suffrage, cared for her aging parents, and worked with white writer Sarah Bradford on her autobiography as a potential source of income. She married a Union soldier Nelson Davis, also born into slavery, who was more than twenty years her junior. Residing in Auburn, New York, she cared for the elderly in her home and in 1874, the Davises adopted a daughter. After an extensive campaign for a military pension, she was finally awarded $8 per month in 1895 as Davis’s widow (he died in 1888) and $20 in 1899 for her service. In 1896, she established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged on land near her home. Tubman died in 1913 and was buried with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, New York. (copy courtesy womenshistory.org)
Born here in Dorchester County, 2022 celebrates the 200th Anniversary of her birth.
This exhibit runs through March 26. Second Saturday Artists’ Reception will be held on March 12 from 5:00-7:30 pm with light refreshments, artist talks, and special guests. Admission is free, all are welcome!