March 10 …

Harriet Tubman Day — observed each year on March 10 — honors the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman (c.1822–1913), the famed conductor of the Underground Railroad, Civil War nurse, military scout, and advocate for women’s rights.

In 1990, Congress passed a joint resolution, and President George H.W. Bush signed a law designating March 10 as Harriet Tubman Day. Since then, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations recognizing Tubman’s contributions to the nation.

The most recent presidential proclamation was issued by President Joe Biden on March 10, 2025, continuing a long-standing tradition of executive acknowledgment. These proclamations typically highlight Tubman’s courage, her role in leading enslaved people to freedom, and her broader contributions to American democracy.

Although the commemoration is not a federal holiday — meaning government offices and businesses remain open — it holds official national status as a commemorative observance.

Today, the commemoration is observed nationwide, with particularly strong recognition in Maryland, where Tubman was born, and Auburn, NY, where she spent her later years. Observances tend to emphasize education, historical reflection, and civic engagement rather than large-scale festivals.

In Maryland, recent commemorations at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park have included guided tours, ranger-led talks, and community ceremonies focusing on Tubman’s escape routes and resistance strategies. In Auburn, events typically feature wreath-laying ceremonies at Tubman’s gravesite, church services, and public lectures exploring her lifelong activism.

Across the country, schools and cultural institutions mark the day through classroom instruction, student projects, and public programming. Organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service provide digital exhibits, lesson plans, and special events that broaden public understanding of Tubman’s legacy.

These observances on Harriet Tubman Day underscore Tubman’s enduring symbolic importance as a figure of courage, moral leadership, and the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Selected Sources:

• United States Congress. “Joint Resolution Designating March 10, 1990, as Harriet Tubman Day.” Public Law 101-252 (1990).
• George H.W. Bush. “Proclamation 6107—Harriet Tubman Day, 1990.” March 10, 1990.
• Joe Biden. “A Proclamation on Harriet Tubman Day, 2025.” March 10, 2025.