On Tuesday, February 9, students in St. Catharines will officially welcome Harriet Tubman home to her namesake school. That day, the school will unveil a life-size statue of the iconic freedom fighter created by former Niagara artists Frank Rekrut and Laura Thompson. 

 

“Bringing Harriet Home has been a true community effort,” said school Principal Ronna Lockyer. “We received great support from people who recognized the importance of this exceptional piece of artwork. Having Harriet’s likeness in front of the school will help bring her story to life for students.” 

 

The bronze statue features a seated Tubman with a book in her lap. Although Harriet could not read, there are stories of her pretending to read to avoid capture. 

 

Now living in Florence, Italy, Frank Rekrut has a connection to Tubman. In 2010, he donated a portrait bust of Tubman to the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) church on Geneva Street. He became interested in working with the DSBN when he learned that the school consolidating Alexandra, Maywood and Memorial would be named after Harriet Tubman. 

 

To finance the cost of the statue and transportation, the DSBN launched the “Bringing Harriet Home” campaign. Individuals, schools and organizations all contributed to the campaign.

 

Date: Tuesday, February 9

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Harriet Tubman Public School, 84 Henry Street, St. Catharines