Uncovering African American Stories at Historic New England

Improve listing Presented by Royall House and Slave Quarters

Illustrated talk by Historic New England's museum historian Jennifer Pustz.

Though too often hidden, the contributions of African Americans, enslaved and free, are important to understanding the history of New England. The story of Prince Sayward of York, Maine, who fought in the American Revolution, and that of Cuff Gardner, a free African American who worked at Rhode Island’s Casey Farm at the turn of the nineteenth century, reveal new aspects of daily life at these sites. These stories are about labor, but also about these individuals’ participation in the fight for freedom and in such uniquely New England traditions as “Negro Elections.”

Join museum historian Jennifer Pustz as she explores the African American experience in the North through the lens of several of Historic New England’s properties. Jennifer Pustz is museum historian at Historic New England, author of Voices from the Back Stairs: Interpreting Servants’ Lives at Historic House Museums, and a member of the Royall House and Slave Quarters board of directors. She has a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa.

Three African American farm hands working on the estate of James Monroe, Oak Hill, Virginia, c. 1905-1915. Baldwin Coolidge, photographer.

Historic New England is a museum that collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects to help preserve and build appreciation for New England's cultural history.

Photo: Three African American farm hands working on the estate of James Monroe, Oak Hill, Virginia, c. 1905-1915. Baldwin Coolidge, photographer.

Edit

Delete

View contributors

Flag for review

Date(s)

This has already taken place.

Cost/Tickets/Registration

Free admission for Royall House and Slave Quarters Members; Non-members $5.

Location

Royall House and Slave Quarters
15 George Street
Medford, MA 02155

Directions/Transportation/Parking

Directions by Car

Take exit 32 off 93. Proceed on Route 60 West (Salem Street) to second light (Medford Square). Bear left to enter Main Street going South. You will go over the Mystic river and under an overpass. Keep to the right. Bear right at the Mobil Station to stay on Main Street, and turn right at the blinking light onto George Street (there will be a park with a brick/iron fence at that corner). Proceed one half block and park on the right.

Public Transportation

Take the MBTA Bus 96 from Harvard Square, Davis Square or Medford Square (Red Line) to the “George Street and Main Street” stop.

Take the MBTA Bus 101 from Malden Center (Orange Line) or Sullivan Square (Blue Line) to the “George Street and Main Street” stop.

Presented by

Royall House and Slave Quarters

For more information

http://www.RoyallHouse.org