Currency redesign draws attention to Tubman Museum

When the U.S. Treasury announced Wednesday that Harriet Tubman, a former slave who helped others escape the horrors of slavery, would be the new face of the $20 bill, it was a boost for the Macon museum bearing her name.

Former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, a former slave owner, will remain on the bill’s reverse side.

Various news outlets, including CBS News, called officials at the Tubman Museum to ask if they’d heard the announcement, said Melanie Byas, the museum’s director of marketing.

“We’re thrilled,” Byas said. “We’re really proud for this country and excited.”

Born into slavery in the early part of the 19th century, Tubman escaped and then used a network of antislavery activists and safe houses, known as the Underground Railroad, to transport other slaves to freedom. After the Civil War, Tubman, who died in 1913, became active in the campaign for women’s suffrage.

The redesign of the $20 bill marks the first time an African American will appear on U.S. paper money and the first woman depicted on bills in the past 100 years. Former first lady Martha Washington appeared on a dollar silver certificate from 1891-1896. The only other woman ever featured on U.S. paper money was Pocohontas. Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea are featured on dollar coins.

Though the Macon museum isn’t filled with Tubman’s belongings, a temporary exhibit on the first floor features historic photographs of Tubman, a life-size sculpture and other artifacts connected with her life. The display was set to only last through the summer, but “I’m sure that’s changed after today,” Byas said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if it ... is here a little bit longer than originally planned,” she said.

Richard Keil, the museum’s founder, said he named it after Tubman because he “just always thought that she was a very extremely notable and strong, brave and intelligent person who gave her life for the country.”

“Quite frankly, I’m just very thrilled about it,” said Keil, 82.

Months ago, when Keil heard that Tubman’s face would likely be on the $20 bill, that plan didn’t really surprise him.

“There were people in very responsible positions speaking about this, so I took it as a possibility,” Keil said. “Because of my age, I waited with some hope, but also some skepticism. ... It came as a surprise that it’s a done deal now.”

Beverly Hart Pittman, 68, and her husband, Ezell Pittman, from Columbia, South Carolina, visited the museum Wednesday afternoon. The couple learned of the $20 bill redesign while chatting in the gift shop.

“I just think she’s worthy of any recognition because of the contributions she’s made, because of the movement she was involved in and because she is a female in particular,” Beverly Pittman said. “Who better to put on any bill? ... We all benefit for her involvement in the movement. Sometimes we tend to stay too focused, but it’s just like the civil rights movement. America benefited.”

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 8:03 PM with the headline "Currency redesign draws attention to Tubman Museum."