Beacon of Hope Arrives in Niagara Falls

Harriet Tubman Traveling Monument installed at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

Niagara Falls, NY –On Wednesday, October 16th, “Beacon of Hope”, the 13-foot bronze statue, created by Academy and Emmy Award-winning sculptor Wesley Wofford of Wofford Sculpture Studio, arrived in Niagara Falls. The monument is on loan from Wofford Sculpture Studio and will be on temporary exhibit from October 16th, 2024 to January 2nd, 2025, in the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center’s Harriet Tubman Plaza. 

The exhibition of the “Beacon of Hope” monument at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center commemorates Harriet Tubman’s journeys to freedom through Niagara Falls via the International Suspension Bridge – originally located mere steps away from the Heritage Center and the current location of “Beacon of Hope”. 

Born Araminta Ross, Tubman first liberated herself in 1849 by way of Philadelphia. Not even a year later, she would return to Dorchester County, Maryland, to assist many of her family members in their own escapes. She would eventually repeat this journey a dozen more times. After the passage of the 1850s Fugitive Slave Act, Tubman knew that for her family to be completely safe, they would have to make it to Canada. Her goal was St. Catharines, Ontario, by way of Niagara Falls, New York. The International Suspension Bridge that Tubman crossed, bringing dozens of people that she loved into freedom and directing many freedom seekers to, is one of the most important locations on the Underground Railroad. 

“Honoring Harriet Tubman’s crossing right here in the historic Suspension Bridge Village, informs more people about owning our own local history,” Saladin Allah, Director of Community Engagement said. “Many people know about the Underground Railroad, but know less about how freedom seekers crossed into the Canadian side, so as a Heritage Center we share those stories of the people who were instrumental in helping people reach the Canadian side.” 

Ally Spongr DeGon, Interim Director, said, “Harriet Tubman as the “Beacon of Hope” exemplifies the significance of the very last leg of her journeys to Canada, recognizing the power of place.” 

“Beacon of Hope” traveled to Niagara Falls from John Brown Farm State Historic Site in Lake Placid, New York. Previously, she was installed and on display in Peekskill, New York –another important location on the Underground Railroad, and at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, among other locations in the North East. In January 2025, “Beacon of Hope” will depart Niagara Falls and travel to the Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Together, “Beacon of Hope” and the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center commemorate Tubman’s vision, her grit, and her indomitable will that led her to bring so many people to the promised land. A special evening commemorating Harriet Tubman and the monument’s display will be held on Friday, November 15th, 2024, at the Heritage Center from 5pm-8pm, commemorating Tubman’s and other freedom seekers’ journeys in the late autumn and winter months of November and December. Details can be found on the Heritage Center’s website: niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org. 

This monument reflects the interpretation of the Heritage Center’s award winning exhibits and its commitment to stories of self-agency rooted in freedom, justice and cultural movements. The Heritage Center is thankful to the artist for sharing his gift with our city and with visitors from around the world. Visitors can visit “Beacon of Hope” during daytime hours in the Harriet Tubman Plaza located in front of the Heritage Center, 825 Depot Avenue West, Niagara Falls, NY 14305. 

About the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center 

The mission of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is to reveal authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls and to inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery and to take action toward an equitable society. The Heritage Center is an experiential museum operating every Tuesday through Sunday during the Summer season. We offer self-guided tours, facilitated guided tours known as our signature Freedom Conversation tours, school field trips, and numerous public programs throughout the year. Through meaningful interpretive experiences, engaging public programs, services and events, we expand each visitor’s understanding of and appreciation for the Underground Railroad. 

http://niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org 

About the Wofford Sculpture Studio 

Emmy and Academy Award winning sculptor Wesley Wofford works from his private studio in the North Carolina Mountains. His style emphasizes the human presence and is characterized by a dynamic use of form and texture. His diverse body of work and his unique vision for sculptural language produce powerful commissions. Wesley’s monuments provoke passionate responses and he is known for his intimate, emotionally charged portraits. 

https://www.woffordsculpturestudio.com/