How Harriet Tubman and Philadelphia abolitionists coordinated dangerous journeys to freedom

A large-scale version of artist Alvin Pettit's design of a Harriet Tubman statue is coming to Philadelphia. Courtesy of Alvin Pettit

A roughly 14-foot-tall bronze statue of the United States’ most famous abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, will become a permanent fixture outside Philadelphia’s City Hall later this year. It will be the first statue of a Black female historical figure in the city’s public art collection.

Harriet Tubman as photographed by Harvey B. Lindsley, circa 1871-1876. Library of Congress