North Andover Celebrates African American History

09/07/2026

The Quock Walker case was the landmark decision in 1783 that declared slavery to be incompatible with Massachusetts’ new state constitution. That case, and “Brom & Bett v. John Ashley, Esq.” effectively ended slavery as a legal practice in Massachusetts.

Emancipation in Massachusetts came in 1783, well before Juneteeth, celebrating national emancipation in 1865.

On Massachusetts Emancipation Day, we honor Quock Walker's fight for his freedom and its role in ending slavery in the Commonwealth.

07/07/2026

Frederick Douglass' most famous speech was one he gave on
July 5,1852 in Rochester, NY entitled "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July". Our friend Odis Spencer, Jr. gave a powerful reading of excepts of that speech on the North Andover Common (complete with costume and wig) to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday.

"What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity..."

For more information, here is a great article from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/nations-story-what-slave-fourth-july

Thanks to John Lennhoff of the Friends of the 1836 Meeting House for organizing the event and making sure diverse voices are heard.

05/07/2026

No one does “I have a Dream” like our Team Member Ralph Bledsoe. We were proud to support him on the Friends of the Meeting House’s July 4th recitation event yesterday on the North Andover Common!

20/06/2026

Come see us at Andover’s Juneteenth Celebration at Central Park on Bartlett Street until 8 tonight!

24/04/2026

Baritone James Dargan brings his FREE musical passion project "Ladies Only" to the Andover Baptist Church this Sunday, April 26 at 2 pm. The program celebrates little known female composers from the 19th century to the present. It is music composed by women, many of whom are all too often spoken of in connection with the men in their lives.

For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986591006177?aff=oddtdtcreator

17/04/2026

Great music and a chance to support a worthy non- profit, and features our friends the Choral Majority and the Brooks School Choir.

14/03/2026

Did you miss Dr. Alexandria Russell's talk on Black Women's Legacies in Massachusetts? It is available on You Tube through our partner, North Andover CAM. Check it out:

North Andover Historical Society's Black History Month Speaker Series at the Worden Theater.Featuring Dr. Alexandria Russell, Executive Director of Boston Wo...

25/02/2026

Our events for Black History Month have concluded, but there are still interesting events happening throughout the area such as this gala presented by Salem's Hamilton Hall and History Alive. Charlotte Forten and Sarah Remond, featured on the North Andover banners, are included in this program.

You’re invited

23/02/2026

Thanks to everyone that came out to hear Joel’s talk on Sunday. This one was not recorded, so if you missed it you will have to do one of his walking tours! We hope to organize a group in the spring to take an in person tour, so watch this space!

ReIdren’s Hidden History of Black Boston Tour is offered as van rides, walking tours, and presentations for schools, families, and institutions. Learn 400 years of Black Boston history with clarity, purpose, and power.

21/02/2026

Don't miss this FREE Black History Month Talk this Sunday February 22 at 2 pm at the North Andover Historical Society: The Hidden History of Black Boston (400 years in 90 minutes). The event is FREE, thanks to a grant from the North Andover Cultural Council. Joel MacKall brings his walking tour to the Worden Theatre in an engaging and interactive talk for all ages. For more information: https://www.northandoverhistoricalsociety.org/upcoming-events/2026/2/8/6s5khth4xqx7x8g6i64wc1tpdtd0hd