St. Petersburg Considers Acquiring Harriet Tubman Statue

The Beacon of Hope, a statue of Harriet Tubman, representing freedom and resilience.

News Summary

St. Petersburg is evaluating the purchase of ‘The Beacon of Hope,’ a statue of Harriet Tubman, for $250,000. Proposed by City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard, the city aims to explore funding options amidst mixed public sentiment. This 13-foot bronze sculpture symbolizes Tubman’s legacy and serves as part of local educational initiatives. As the statue is set to leave the Woodson Museum in 2025, the city faces a timeline for this cultural acquisition.

St. Petersburg is contemplating the acquisition of a prominent statue of Harriet Tubman, known as The Beacon of Hope, as part of its ongoing discussions about public art funding and cultural initiatives. The statue, a bronze sculpture created by artist Wesley Wofford, is currently on display in the Legacy Garden of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida and is on loan from North Carolina’s Wofford Sculpture Studio, which charges a monthly rental fee of $3,000.

During a recent meeting of the city’s Economic and Workforce Development Committee, City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard proposed that the city acquire the statue for a total cost of $250,000. This figure exceeds the current budget allocated for such acquisitions, igniting discussions on potential funding solutions. Gabbard suggested that the arts commission consider a collaborative fundraising approach similar to previous public art projects, notably Bending Arc, which was installed at the St. Pete Pier in 2021 and funded primarily through private donations totaling about $1.5 million.

The Beacon of Hope stands at an impressive 13 feet tall and has been part of the Woodson Museum’s collection since January 2025. However, the statue is scheduled to depart the museum in September 2025, creating a timetable for the city’s decision on its acquisition. The importance of the statue extends beyond its artistic value; it symbolizes Tubman’s legacy and contributions, which have been the subject of local educational initiatives such as recent engagements between students and sculptor Wesley Wofford.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the statue, public opinion remains mixed. Some community members have expressed concerns regarding the allocation of taxpayer funds, arguing that these resources could be better invested in essential infrastructure repairs rather than art acquisitions. This sentiment reflects broader budgetary concerns that the city is grappling with as it implements the Cultural Action Plan of 2023.

City officials have acknowledged these concerns while also emphasizing the significance of investing in public art and cultural development. Gabbard noted that once established, the planned African American museum could serve as a permanent home for The Beacon of Hope, further embedding the statue’s relevance within the community.

Additionally, the committee discussed that the acquisition process will benefit from input from the city’s Arts Culture and Tourism Director, Celeste Davis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public art funding and future projects. The city’s commitment to cultural heritage and education remains a priority, which could lead to greater opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement in St. Petersburg.

While the potential purchase of The Beacon of Hope may enrich the city’s cultural landscape, careful consideration will be key in how the acquisition aligns with community needs and budgetary constraints. The next steps for the city involve not only determining how to fund this purchase but also how to balance these considerations with addressing the infrastructure needs that many residents prioritize.