Tubman's family attends Tussauds unveiling

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Direct descendants of Harriet Tubman attended the unveiling of a wax likeness of the famed abolitionist at Madame Tussauds in Washington.

The statue was unveiled in the Presidents Gallery Tuesday in celebration of Black History Month.

"Harriet Tubman was an incredible woman whose accomplishments and contributions played a pivotal role in the history of the United States, cementing her status as a true American icon," Dan Rogoski, general manager of the Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds, said in a statement. "We are honored to have Harriet Tubman's descendants with us today for the unveiling and induction of her wax figure into our expanding Presidents Gallery -- an interactive journey through America's history."

Born Araminta Ross in 1820 in Maryland, Tubman was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian and spy for the Union during the U.S. Civil War. After escaping from slavery, into which she was born, she reportedly freed more than 300 slaves via the elaborate network of safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She died in 1913.

"We are ecstatic and overjoyed to see Aunt Harriet being celebrated and receiving recognition for her contributions to humanity, which is long overdue," said Tubman's great-great-great nephew Charles Ross.

Children from Washington's Harriet Tubman Elementary School were also on-hand to witness the unveiling of the figure of the woman for whom their school is named, the museum said.