Tubman Museum Bill Heads to Murphy’s Desk

TRENTON – The historic Howell House, on Lafayette Street, in Cape May, would be recognized as the Harriet Tubman Museum, in New Jersey, under legislation approved Aug. 27 by the Senate and on its way to Gov.Murphy’s desk for consideration.
According to a release, Sen. Michael Testa and Assemblyman Antwan McClellan (both R-1st) sponsor the bill, A-3201/S-2585, to honor Tubman, a legendary abolitionist and advocate for women’s voting rights. The bill cleared the Assembly, in June.
“Harriet Tubman was fiercely committed to equality for all people, black or white, male or female,” stated Testa, who sponsors the bill with Sens. Ronald L. Rice and Shirley K. Turner. “Through her tireless persistence, this determined woman helped bring about two historic society advancements that changed American society forever – she personally helped lead dozens of southern slaves to freedom in the north, and she was instrumental in the women’s suffrage movement.”
Tubman, herself, escaped from slavery, and later risked her life to free other slaves. She served as a cook, nurse, and armed scout for the Union Army during the Civil War.
“This is a fitting tribute,” stated Testa. “The Harriet Tubman story should be available to all, and anchoring the state’s museum in Cape May will help ensure her contributions are never forgotten.”
“Most folks in New Jersey do not realize the history Cape May County played in Underground Railroad, let alone that Harriet Tubman once called it home,” stated Rice (D-28th). “Tubman is a significant part of Black and American history, and I am proud to sponsor the state’s dedication of this house to her legacy. I want to thank Sen. Testa and Assemblyman McClellan for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this historic piece of legislation.”
While she resided in Cape May, Tubman worked in hotels and clubs to earn money for her heroic rescue missions to the south. More than a dozen dangerous trips resulted in freedom for many former slaves.
“We are blessed to see the day where we can honor a true American hero right here in our back yard,” Assemblyman McClellan stated. “Harriet Tubman’s footprint on our community is everlasting. Our neighbors came together with a wonderful idea to honor Harriet’s memory and pass down her legacy for local students to learn the impacts of slavery and the importance of equality.”
When he was mayor of Lower Township, Testa and McClellan’s district mate, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-1st), spoke on behalf of the museum project to ensure the community was able to receive bonds for the renovation project.
“This historic property honors Harriet Tubman’s role as an abolitionist who saved approximately 70 individuals from the hands of slavery,” Simonsen stated. “I am beyond proud of the hard work our community has done to renovate the Howell House. This will be a historic milestone for our legislative district.”
The Howell House, built in 1850, is one of the senior structures in the seaside town, known for its historic and distinctive buildings. The museum is located at 632 Lafayette Street, “on a block that anti-slavery activists called home, in Cape May,” according to HarrietTubmanMuseum.org. “Lafayette Street and Franklin Street became a center of abolitionist activity centered around three important buildings developed, in 1846.”
The home was owned by Joseph Howell, a Quaker from Philadelphia, and willed to the historic Macedonia Baptist Church.