National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Rehabilitate and Preserve AME

Zion Church Building and Rectory

Harriet Tubman National

Historical Park

Presenters: Presentation Date:

Ahna Wilson, Superintendent May 2022
Purpose of Presentation
Auburn City Council Update

Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church National

Register of Historic Places - 2000 2
Project Location

47 Parker Street Project Area

City of Auburn, NY
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 Overview of the Park
 Harriet Tubman National Historical Park was established on
January 10, 2017. The park’s legislated boundary includes “the
Harriet Tubman Home, the Tubman Home for the Aged, the
Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church and Rectory, and
associated land.”(PL 113-291 Dec. 19, 2014)

 The park’s purpose “is to preserve and interpret for the

benefit of present and future generations the historical,
cultural, and natural resources associated with the life of
Harriet Tubman.” The period of significance for the
Thompson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church is from its
construction in 1891 through the funeral of Harriet Tubman
Davis, held at the church in March 1913.
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Building Photos of Existing Conditions

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What to Expect
 Summer 2022
 The site will start to resemble a construction site with a
work trailer and equipment with a current ETA of early
June.
 The complete site will be fenced with a 6' chain link fence
with privacy screening.
 Fencing will have information for visitors about the work
and directing them to the park's website.
 Schedules
 Interior work started May 2nd with asbestos abatement.
 The schedule of work is changing regularly, reflecting
supply shortages and subcontractor schedules.
 All work is planned to take place over the next year until
the summer of 2023
 Contemporary Images

“‘Aunt Harriet’s Funeral,” Auburn Semi-Weekly Journal, March

14, 1913, Fulton History Online Archive, fultonhistory.com.

Photo by Kraemer, dated by photographer,

1916, (Courtesy of Pauline Johnson)

Postcard with image of the church and rectory, early 5

spring 1913 (Courtesy of the NMAAHC)
Install accessible path that bridges historic concrete
sidewalk/apron, modify top stoop with wood
landing.
12' Spire will be reconstructed with
lightning protection included.

Click to add text

Install new and salvaged

novelty siding
Repair and paint clapboard
siding, trim, and associated
components

Reinstall window in historic

location. Infill wall.

Provide replica historic panel

doors.

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HART AME Zion Church – first floor

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 Interior Rehabilitation

Design drawings of front vestibule reproduction doors, stenciling

location, and restored window.
The walls of the church’s auditorium were covered in a salmon-
pink ground layer with a decorative, dark red stenciled band
along the top edge of all four walls. The stenciled design
comprises Greek-inspired palmette alternating with federal-
revival torches. Image © Corda Conservation, LLC, 2021

Design drawing of reproduction alter rail

Timelapse Photography
Parsonage/Rectory Rehabilitation