New Harriet Tubman Photo Surfaces Just In Time For Women's History Month

History has blessed us with a new side of Harriet Tubman.

We have all seen photos of Harriet Tubman in our history books, and they seem to have been taken later in her life. But just in time for Women's History Month, a new photo was discovered, which shows a much younger Tubman—most likely in her early to mid 40s. 

Biographer and Harriet Tubman expert Dr. Kate Clifford Larson believes the photo was taken sometime after the Civil War while Harriet was living in Auburn, a town in upstate New York. Harriet purchased land in that area from Senator William H. Seward in 1859, and now that land will be part of the newly established Harriet Tubman National Park. Larson believes the photo belonged to abolitionist Emily Howland who was a friend of Harriet's. 

Experts are excited about the discovery of this photo because we have so few photos of historical figures like Tubman. As for the authenticity, Larson is sure this photo is legit. “There’s no doubt in my mind about the provenance of the photo and that it is Tubman,” said Kate Clifford Larson. 

“What’s remarkable about this photograph is that she’s so proud and dignified and beautiful. She looks so young...This is the vibrant young Tubman just coming off her work during the Civil War. She’s building her life with her family in Auburn[, N.Y.],” said Larson in a piece reported by the Auburn Citizen.

The new discovery came at a good time because Harriet Tubman has been back in the public eye in the last few years. First, she was chosen to appear on the twenty dollar bill, replacing racist president Andrew Jackson. Second, the new national park with her name just came into existence. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell formally established the park in January.

We are glad to see such an important woman from Black history getting her due in the 21st century. The new photo is an added bonus.