Press Coverage...
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Students inspire senator
By ERIN DUGGAN First published: May 20, 2002 in Albany's Times Union Newspaper Sparked by an effort by Albany Free School students, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton introduced legislation Wednesday requesting the federal government make Civil War pension payments to the descendants of Harriet Tubman. Tubman was a nurse and scout for the Union Army during the Civil War and never received the pension she requested. The students took a 13-day trip tracing the Underground Railroad, and met briefly with Clinton to urge the senator to request the pension payment. Tubman is credited with rescuing 300 slaves via the Underground Railroad, and her family said they would use the money to expand the Harriet Tubman home in Auburn, Cayuga County. "It's always such an inspiration to see young people curious about our nation's history and the figures who helped shape the country we live in today," Clinton said in a statement. "I thank the Albany students who brought this matter to my attention, and I hope we can work together to honor the memory of Harriet Tubman by making sure that this injustice is remedied."
The Albany Free School
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