Timeline

1860s | Context

| During and after the Civil War, Harriet Tubman becomes internationally known for her work as an

Underground Railroad conductor, scout, and nurse for the Union Army.

| This broader recognition later leads to international attention from Queen Victoria.

1867 | Gifted by Queen Victoria

| Queen Victoria presents Harriet Tubman with a white shawl and a commemorative Jubilee medal. The gift coincides with Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

1913 | Tubman's Passing

| Harriet Tubman dies in Auburn, New York, in 1913.

| The shawl remains among her personal belongings.

1910s-1950s | Family Preservation

| After Tubman’s death, the shawl is kept by descendants and extended family, preserved along with other personal artifacts.

1950s-1990s | Early Museum Interest

| The shawl appears occasionally in local exhibits related to Tubman's home in Auburn and the AME Zion Church, though documentation varies.

| Its association with Queen Victoria becomes a key part of Tubman-focused educational displays.

2009 | Donation to the Smithsonian

| The shawl is formally donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) along with other Tubman artifacts.

| Documentation provided with the donation reaffirms its provenance as Queen Victoria’s gift.

2010s-2025 | Exhibit at the NMAAHC

| The shawl becomes one of the museum’s most iconic artifacts relating to Tubman’s life.

| It is displayed as a symbol of, Tubman’s international recognition, the respect she commanded during her lifetime, and the global dimension of abolitionist work.

2025-Present | "Rest" Period at the NMAAHC

| The NMAAHC regularly rotates items in their collection for the long-term health of each object. While on display, objects are lit and mounted so that visitors can best experience them and learn their stories. Over time, this light causes fading and discoloration, and can weaken or embrittle the objects. By rotating objects off display, the museum can treat and safely store the objects in a secure, dark, environmentally stable environment. These “rest” periods help prolong the life of objects, preserving them for future use.

| Currently, there is not a date set for when the shawl will go back on display.