How a Visit to Auburn, New York, Can Help Facilitate Difficult Conversations with Kids

Traveling with kids is a great way to teach them valuable lessons that help them grow into kind, compassionate and caring adults with an appreciation for the world around them. Yet some topics remain difficult to approach, such as racism, slavery and equal rights. Thankfully, destinations like Auburn in the beautiful state of New York have family travel offerings that make facilitating these conversations a bit easier.

Auburn is known as “History’s Hometown” thanks to its rich heritage and numerous historical sites, landmarks and museums bringing awareness to a variety of issues, including equal rights. One such destination is Harriet Tubman Home, which stands as a testament to the woman’s incredible work freeing enslaved people and fighting for freedom and human rights.

While Harriet Tubman may not have been born in Auburn, she chose to make the city her home, and to this day visitors can explore the home and grounds where she settled and made a life for herself and her family while she continued her good works and served her community for more than 50 years.

Officially declared a historic landmark in 1974 and later designated Harriet Tubman National Historic Park in 2017, visitors can see firsthand the legacy of this incredible woman who took a stand to do what was right and devoted all her time and efforts to helping others. Tours are given daily by Reverend Paul Carter, who offers an engaging look into the life and works of the woman once known as “Moses.” Tours must be scheduled ahead of time and admission to the site is $7 for adults and $3 for kids aged 6–17.

While in Auburn, families should also be sure to check out NY State Equal Rights Heritage Center, a free exhibition housed in Auburn Welcome Center. New York has played a huge role in equal rights movements, such as being the birthplace of the LGBTQIA+ movement, and this site lets you explore those milestones and achievements.

Take a self-guided tour of the center’s educational displays and interactive elements that not only introduce you to New York’s pivotal role in pursuing equal rights for all, but also let you have a little fun while doing it. The exhibition also provides information on other attractions around Auburn and includes a fun quiz game for kids, letting them test their knowledge and everything they learned.

These sites, along with the many other attractions in and around Auburn, are a great way to get those necessary, but sometimes difficult, conversations going. Exposing little ones to the history of equal rights that has helped shape the country not only helps them to grow into caring and compassionate adults, but can also give us the gentle reminders we sometimes need to respect and appreciate the world we live in.