© 2025 NPR Illinois
The Capital's Community & News Service since 1975
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Learn more about federal funding of public media stations like NPR Illinois at ProtectMyPublicMedia.org #ProtectMyPublicMedia

Harriet Tubman interpreter Kathryn Harris shares career from learning French to library science | Community Voices

Kathryn Harris
Photo courtesy of Kathryn Harris
Kathryn Harris

Kathryn Harris is best known in Springfield, Ill. as the area's Harriet Tubman interpreter. She spoke with Community Voices about her unexpected path to performing as historical figures. She also shared how despite wanting to become a French teacher, she studied library science and eventually took on the role of Director of the Illinois State Historical Library. She also shared her surprise at receiving Springfield's First Citizen Award.

Originally aired March 4, 2022.

Vanessa is the Community Voices Production Coordinator. Reach Vanessa at vfergu3@uis.edu.