Thanks to the family of Harriet Tubman, Western New York has been able to pay tribute to the abolitionist through museums and several monuments. Now the Oscar-nominated movie “Harriet” is introducing a new generation to her legacy.

"She was the freer of her people," says her great nephew Kent Olden.

That's something the Buffalonian says his grandmother always told him about his great aunt, Harriet Tubman.

"My great, great, great grandfather was her brother," Olden told Spectrum News Reporter Fadia Patterson.

Harriet Tubman's name is etched in history at the conductor of the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses in which she helped to free more than a hundred slaves. Buffalo and Western New York were a large part of that network.

Parts of the Harriet film was adapted from a book in which Olden shared information on his great aunt's story. His cousins in Maryland were also consulted for the film. Since the passing of his grandmother; Olden says he's now picked up the torch.

"We can't let these American heroes, these legacies, be forgotten," he added.

In 1975, Olden's grandmother founded the Harriet 300, a group initially established to support the opening of the Harriet Tubman Memorial Library in Auburn, New York. The group is also responsible for having historical markers installed at locations throughout Western New York in her honor. Michigan Avenue is also known as Harriet Tubman Way.

During the summer, the group also hosts re-enactments of freedom seekers crossing from America into Canada at Broderick Park.

"My grandmother was always big on saying that you have to tell your own story because as soon as you don't you open the door for someone to come in and change it," said Olden.

As for the new film, Olden says filmmakers got it right.

"I think they did a good job with the movie," he added. "To be Oscar-nominated means that you're one of the best of the best so that's really catapulting the story to generations who may not have known it."

Patricia Moss currently serves as president of the Harriet Tubman 300s. Historically, the group has only accepted female applicants, but now there is a male auxiliary group, which Olden heads. To learn more about the group, email: HarrietTubman300s@gmail.com.