Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy is now available for online viewing, and South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will present the documentary to audiences across the U.S. SCETV will distribute the program to public television stations across the U.S. in March, bringing Tubman’s extraordinary story to viewers nationwide.
Harriet Tubman is widely known for her courageous work on the Underground Railroad, but her role as a Union Army scout and spy during the Civil War remains one of the most overlooked chapters of her remarkable life. Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy sheds light on her daring missions, including the 1863 Combahee River Raid in South Carolina, which freed more than 750 enslaved people in the largest single emancipation event of the war.
The one-hour documentary takes viewers beyond Tubman’s well-documented legacy, exploring her time in Beaufort County, where she worked alongside Union forces in intelligence-gathering and military operations. The film recounts her collaboration with Colonel James Montgomery and the 2nd South Carolina Infantry, showcasing the strategic prowess that made her an invaluable asset to the Union cause. Montgomery himself once described Tubman as “a most remarkable woman and invaluable as a scout.”
As 2022 marked the 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s birth, this documentary serves as a tribute to her profound impact as a freedom fighter, military leader and advocate for human rights. From her early years escaping slavery to her instrumental role in liberating others, Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy presents a comprehensive look at a true American hero.
Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy is a production of Sankofa Communications and Lowcountry Gullah.
In addition to airing locally, Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy will be distributed to public television stations across the country through the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). Viewers outside South Carolina should check their local listings for airtimes on their local public television station beginning in March. The documentary will also be available for streaming in the PBS App and on scetv.org.
For more information about Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy, visit scetv.org.
QUOTES
“Harriet Tubman’s courage and resilience continue to inspire generations. This documentary provides a deeper understanding of her extraordinary contributions beyond the Underground Railroad. We are honored to share her story with audiences nationwide.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Many people know Harriet Tubman as the leader of the Underground Railroad, but her efforts as a military strategist and scout are just as compelling. This film shines a light on her lesser-known achievements and her crucial role in the Civil War.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish
FAST FACTS
- Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy explores Tubman’s contributions as a Union Army scout and spy, focusing on her role in the 1863 Combahee River Raid, which freed more than 750 enslaved people.
- Harriet Tubman is one of the most influential human rights activists in U.S. history, serving as an Underground Railroad conductor, army scout, nurse and women’s rights champion.
- Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy is a production of Sankofa Communications and Lowcountry Gullah.
- Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy will be distributed to public television stations across the country through the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA).
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About the National Educational Telecommunications Association
The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) is one of the nation's leading service organizations strengthening and amplifying public media's education mission. NETA is a 501(c)(3) membership organization providing leadership, support and services to individual public media licensees, their affinity groups and the public media system as a whole.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
SCETV showcases documentary honoring the remarkable legacy of Harriet Tubman (PDF)
