Things at the Tubman Museum of African American Art, History and Culture in Macon were already busy, as staff members were getting ready for the 20th annual Pan African Festival coming up this weekend.
Then came word that Harriet Tubman, whose story inspired the museum's name, will grace the $20 bill.
"This is so exciting. We are absolutely thrilled," said Melanie Byas, the museum's director of marketing and digital strategy. "This is really awesome."
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Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Although they had heard Tubman was being considered, no one from the Treasury Department gave the museum advance word of the decision. It took staff members by marvelous surprise.
The museum that bears her name features a Tubman exhibit but doesn't focus on her exclusively, instead offering numerous exhibits and programs highlighting many different aspects of African American culture and history. Byas is thrilled not only that Tubman is being honored, but also at the prospect that today's news will inspire people to appreciate her anew.
"We don't really take the time to study history, unless we are historians, in this country," she said. Wednesday's announcement, she said, may very well change that.
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