For history seekers, the Finger Lakes region might as well be a treasure hunt. From women’s rights to the abolition movement, the region is well-represented. One of those treasures can be found about an hour east of Rochester.

In Auburn, New York, there is a story. It’s one the Reverend Paul Carter tells about a spectacular woman — an African-American woman who was able to escape slavery and find her freedom in Cayuga County.

Carter is site manager for the Harriet Tubman House and National Historical Park. It’s where he helps preserve the story of Tubman, the abolitionist and political activist, an escaped slave who later called Auburn home.

“It tells her story from beginning to end,” said Carter. “To let people know all of the things that she did."

In the 1800s the Underground Railroad ran straight through Auburn. Tubman famously helped escaped African-American slaves escape to freedom. Her home was one of the safe havens along the route.

“One of the reasons it's important to me is in the African-American community, much of our history, has been covered over or bleached out completely,” said Carter.  “Many times it's been placed in the hands of others to tell our story."

“The story of Harriet Tubman is really important,” said Kimberly Szewczyk, senior interpretive specialist with the National Park Service. “She has been kept in the public consciousness since the time of the Underground Railroad."

Once free, Tubman worked to help her own family escape slavery.

“She was actually putting her life on the line every time she made the decision to do so,” said Carter.

Tubman's home in Auburn has been a tourist spot since the 1950s. A national historic site since the mid-‘70s, the site was named a national historic park in 2017. The partnership between the parks and the Memorial AME Zion Church, which owns the property, allows for greater research into Tubman’s life.

“We have this expertise behind us to help bring Harriet's story to the next level," said Szewczyk.

The National Park Service is in the process of restoring a nearby church, which was already in need of restoration when the building was damaged by fire last year.  Tubman helped found the church with a $500 donation. Her funeral services were later held there.

Tubman moved to Auburn in 1859, buying her home and a small slice of land for $1,200 from then-U.S. Senator William Seward. She stayed in the Finger Lakes city until her death in 1913. Harriet Tubman is buried at Auburn’s Fort Hill Cemetery, about a mile from her home.

The historic park is a place where Rev. Carter and others help keep alive the story of an American icon and a pioneer of freedom.

“It’s important to tell this story,” explained Carter. “So that others will know the benefits of those who gave their life to make sure others were free."