What's Happening?
Dr. Edda Fields-Black, recipient of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for History, will visit Auburn, New York, to discuss her book, 'COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War.' The event, part of the 2026 Richard N.
Hill History Conversation series, will be hosted by the Cayuga Museum on November 6 at the Carriage House Theater. Fields-Black's research details Harriet Tubman's work as a Union spy and her involvement in the June 1863 Combahee River Raid in South Carolina. This military operation led to the liberation of 756 enslaved people from seven rice plantations. Fields-Black's work incorporates original documents and firsthand accounts from those who escaped slavery during the raid. She also has a personal connection to the events, being a descendant of a formerly enslaved man who participated in the raid and of people enslaved in the Combahee River region. The presentation will delve into this lesser-known aspect of Tubman's life and her contributions to the Union war effort.
Why It's Important?
This event is significant as it sheds light on a crucial, yet often overlooked, chapter of American history and Harriet Tubman's multifaceted contributions beyond her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Dr. Fields-Black's detailed research, recognized by the Pulitzer Prize, offers a deeper understanding of the Civil War's complexities and the active role enslaved people played in their own liberation. By highlighting Tubman's strategic intelligence and military involvement, the discussion enriches the historical narrative of the Civil War and the fight for Black freedom. The event also provides a platform for public engagement with scholarly work, making historical research accessible to a broader audience and fostering a more comprehensive understanding of national heritage. For the local community in Auburn, Tubman's former residence, it reinforces her legacy and connection to the area.
What's Next?
Following Dr. Fields-Black's discussion, Deanna Stanford Walz, a local biopharmaceutical scientist and descendant of Harriet Tubman, will moderate a question-and-answer session. A book signing will also take place, with copies of 'COMBEE' available for purchase. General admission tickets for the November 6 program are $35, with a discounted rate of $30 for Cayuga Museum members. A VIP reception is scheduled from 5 to 6 p.m. before the main presentation, offering an opportunity to meet Fields-Black, a complimentary copy of her book, a beverage, and admission to the main event for $100. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance through the Cayuga Museum's website. This event is part of an ongoing series designed to bring historical conversations to the public.
Beyond the Headlines
Dr. Fields-Black's work extends beyond traditional historical research, as she has also contributed to the performing arts by writing the libretto for 'Unburied, Unmourned, Unmarked: Requiem for Rice,' a symphonic work about slavery. Her research has also influenced museum exhibitions at prominent institutions such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the International African American Museum. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the power of history to inform and inspire across various cultural platforms. By connecting historical narratives with contemporary audiences through books, discussions, and artistic expressions, Fields-Black's work contributes to a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the past, fostering ongoing dialogues about race, freedom, and justice in American society.
