Eddie Murphy of Wellsville will portray Harriet Tubman during a tea May 4 at the Smucker House in Salem. (Submitted photo)

SALEM – The Salem Federation of Women’s Clubs was established in 1953 when Ruth Smucker bequeathed her Victorian home to the Salem Federation of Women’s Clubs. This Victorian Home is to be forever used by the women of the Salem community as a place where clubs can meet and citizens can rent for personal events. Today, the Salem Federation of Women’s Clubs is open to all professionals, civic or social groups who share the goals and mission of the federation.

To celebrate women in history, the federation will host a tea featuring Eddie Murphy from Wellsville who will portray Harriet Tubman, also known as the “General Tubman” and the “Moses of her people.” She was a remarkable woman who led enslaved black people to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Harriet’s guidance led many to freedom. “If you hear the dogs, keep going, if you see the torches in the woods, keep going, if there is shouting after you, keep going. Don’t ever stop. Keep going.

Eddie Murphy is a Wellsville, Ohio, native, who lived in Southern California for 37 years during which she had an illustrious career working as director of Retiree/Emeriti Activities first for Hughes Aircraft Company and then UCLA. From this experience she gleaned clues on how to manifest a fruitful, rich retirement. Eight years ago, she returned to her hometown and became passionately involved in its revitalization. Currently, Murphy is president of the Wellsville Community Foundation — of which she is a founding trustee — endeavoring to make a difference for the community at large. She is a follower of Christ and her love for the Village of Wellsville is second to her love for Him. She considers it a great honor to portray Harriet Tubman, one of her heroines, endeavoring to share her words and spirit.

The tea is open to the public. Reservations are required. Reservations can be made by emailing smuckerhousesalem@gmail.com, messaging to the Smucker House on Facebook. For information call 330-207-6031. Tickets are $25. Tea will be on Saturday, May 4, at the Smucker House, 271 S. Broadway Ave., Salem, starting at 11a.m.