Descendants of Harriet Tubman “The Great Conductor” Help Unveil Her Image at Madame Tussauds

Tubman Heritage – Valery Ross Manokey (far left), great-great niece and oldest living descendant of historic icon Harriet Tubman, wipes away tears of joy as she and other descendants see the wax figure of their extraordinary relative for the first time at the Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C. last Monday on February 7. More than ten descendants of the renowned abolitionist and conductor of the “Underground Railroad” visited Madame Tussauds to help launch the figure. (Photo Credit: Stephen Elliot for Madame Tussauds D.C.) WASHINGTON, D.C. –- In celebration of Black History Month, ten direct descendants and family members of historic icon Harriet Ross Tubman, including Charles E.T. Ross (great-great-great nephew) and Valery Ross Manokey (great-great niece and oldest living descendant on eastern shore) visited The Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds to help unveil a new wax likeness of the renowned abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad at the attraction. “Harriet Tubman was an incredible woman whose accomplishments and contributions played a pivotal role in the history of the United States, cementing her status as a true American icon,” said Dan Rogoski, General Manager of The Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds. “We are honored to have Harriet Tubman’s descendants with us today for the unveiling and induction of her wax figure into our expanding Presidents Gallery — an interactive journey through America’s history.” Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross, calling herself Harriet later in life) was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian and spy for the Union during the U.S. Civil War. After escaping from slavery, she freed more than 300 slaves via the elaborate network of safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. Tubman was born in Dorchester County, M.D., an area from which many of the descendants and family members attending the event currently reside, including Charles E.T. Ross and Valery Ross, who live in Cambridge, M.D. “We are ecstatic and overjoyed to see Aunt Harriet being celebrated and receiving recognition for her contributions to humanity, which is long overdue,” said Charles Ross. Additional family members in attendance included Bernice Ross Carney, Betty Ross and Peggy Ross (great-great niece’s and also Valery’s sisters); Judy Ross, Patricia Ross Hawkins, Elizabeth Ross Stanley and Ernest D. Ross (great-great-great nieces and nephew); and Jackie Ross Henry (great- great-great-great niece). Children from Washington D.C.’s Harriet Tubman Elementary School also attended. Madame Tussauds studio artists in London worked tirelessly to create this entirely new wax figure of Harriet Tubman, working from paintings and historical accounts. The Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction. The attraction showcases wax figures of some of the world’s most recognized icons, as well as all 44 U.S. Presidents, Madame Tussauds is located at1001 F Street (NW corner of F and 10th Streets) within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House.