The National Park Service has decided to pursue the creation of two parks honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman, including one in Auburn.

Tubman lived the last years of her life in Auburn. Leaders of the Tubman Home and local government officials have been working with the National Park Service on the idea of establishing the site as a national park for several years. Such an arrangement could bring national park system employees to the site to help in its management.

The Park Service's northeast regional director, Bob McIntosh, says an initial report will be submitted to Congress this summer. Ultimately, such action must be approved by Congress.

The other park would open on Maryland's Eastern Shore, where Tubman was born and escorted escaped slaves along the Underground Railroad to freedom in the north.

For more on this story, read Friday's edition of The Citizen.