North Andover Celebrates African American History

13/03/2025

You won't want to miss this FREE talk on Sunday March 16 at 3 PM. Reverend Dr. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes returns to the North Andover Historical Society for an illuminating and engaging talk about the intersection of advocacy for women’s civil rights and advocacy for civil rights for African Americans in the period following the Civil War and into the early 20th century, paying special attention to the formation of associations and organizations. Rev. Dr. Gilkes is a highly engaging speaker who has been a Black History Month favorite at the Worden Theater in 2024 and 2023.

Walk Ins welcome or reserve a spot. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1233049406969?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/03/2025

Sunday’s performance of Stories of Hope Acts of Faith was amazing! Thanks to our actors and their portrayal of real life heroes, our Moderator Dr. Jamie Wilson from Salem State University, and creative director Michele Philips! More clips and pictures to follow!

28/02/2025

“Stories of Hope -Acts of Faith” : Sunday, March 2 at 3 pm at North Parish Church - Free show with Free Childcare! Learn the inspiring stories of 4 Massachusetts African Americans that made a difference in the times in which they lived. Music by the Higher Praise Gospel Choir! Supported by a grant from Mass Humanities.

28/02/2025

Join us Sunday at 3 pm at North Parish Church for Stories of Hope- Acts of Faith, an original dramatic show with music by The Higher Praise Gospel Choir. FREE- with free childcare. Learn the inspiring stories of Massachusetts residents Charlotte Forten, Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, William Monroe Trotter and William Clarence Matthews and the impact they had on their times. More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-of-hope-acts-of-faith-tickets-1157578060139?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

09/02/2025

James Dargan is here and the concert this afternoon is on. 3 pm at North Parish Unitarian Universalist!

05/02/2025

We were so blown away by the power and expressiveness of James Dargan's performance in February 2024, we are bringing him back THIS SUNDAY for a new program centered on Black Poets and composers entitled Oh Glory II. Check out Eventbrite for details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1135141812719?aff=oddtdtcreator

He will also be the featured artist and worship lead at the North Parish of North Andover Sunday service THIS SUNDAY 2/9 at 10 am. ALL ARE WELCOME. https://www.northparish.org/

18/01/2025

The Andover Townsman had an article today about our events at the North Andover Historical Society and about our work! Only 69
Seats for these programs, so get tickets early!

NORTH ANDOVER — The North Andover Historical Society (NAHS) has teamed-up with the North Andover African American History Committee, the Town of North Andover and North Parish to offer several

14/01/2025

In December, our team met with our legislative delegation at North Andover Town Hall to celebrate the grant we received from Mass Humanities, the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities. We were awarded a $10,783 grant and will be matching the grant amount. The funds will be used to create programming and school curriculum to bring to light the lives and stories of African Americans with ties to Essex County and eastern Massachusetts whose influence shaped history in the pivotal decades of the late 19th and early 20th Century. Thank you to State Representative Adrianne Ramos for suggesting we apply for the grant, and to our representatives Tram T Nguyen, Barry Finegold, and Bruce Tarr for attending the photo shoot. We appreciate the support from Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues and Select Board Member Janice Phillips! Please attend our events!

07/02/2024

A memorable evening where North Parish UU dedicated the Parish Hall to formerly enslaved parishioners Cato and Lydia Freeman who were never granted membership as African Americans.