'Harriet Tubman' to Make a Stop on Park Avenue

The Upper Moreland Historical Association has booked well-known abolitionist Harriet Tubman for a gig later this month.

Apparently she lives in Philadelphia.

Millicent Sparks will be doing a first-person portrayal of the historical character at a May 28 event called “The Harriet Tubman Living Experience” at the township building.

Taking on an alter ego is nothing new for Sparks, who is an actor. She’s been playing Tubman since 2002 when then-New Jersey Secretary of State Regena Thomas asked her to participate as Tubman in a 180-mile, two-week walk across the state, stopping at Underground Railroad sites including churches and Princeton University.   

Sparks said she has portrayed Tubman from Maryland to New York and also works as an actor at the National Constitution Center in the “Freedom Rising” exhibition.

“I had never portrayed Tubman prior to 2002, but I did extensive research to prepare for the performance piece and I got to the point where I now do a Q&A as Tubman,” Sparks said. “I love history and I’m a stickler for making sure that every program I do has the historical authenticity. I do not put the script into my words.”

When she plays Tubman, Sparks will be wearing duds donated by Philadelphia’s Freedom Theatre. The organization helped her build a custom, non-color-coordinated (read: authentic), very rustic and historically accurate outfit.

Sparks said she hopes a lot of students come out to see her as Tubman and added that the first-person format lends itself nicely teaching history. She also said that many students don’t know much about history or historical characters … and what they do know, is just the surface of history.

“Well, it’s important to me first of all from an educational standpoint,” Sparks said. “Living history is a perfect format for students, because it’s live and in your face. I found that they’re more interested and participate more with a person in costume. Even though they know I’m not Harriet Tubman, in the end … they’re not sure.”

--

The Upper Moreland Historical Association will host “The Harriet Tubman Living Experience” May 28 at 7:30 p.m. at 117 Park Ave. Admission is free.