New Bedford Historical Society

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

Don't miss this!

Join Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author Eugene Robinson for a discussion of his new book, "Freedom Lost, Freedom Won," which traces his family’s history from his great-great-grandfather Harry’s enslavement in 1829 through emancipation, Reconstruction, and generations of struggle and resilience.

Robinson will be joined in conversation by journalist and "I Am Nobody’s Slave" author Lee Hawkins.

08/29/2026

Rock your vote!

On August 28, 1963, an estimated 250,000 people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for a nonviolent demonstration seeking civil and economic rights for Black Americans. Then the largest gathering of its kind, the march was immortalized in images of Martin Luther King Jr. delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech, crowds filling the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and protesters locking hands in a show of unity.

Stanley Tretick, most intimately associated with the U.S.’s then-president, John F. Kennedy, was one of the photographic luminaries present at the march. Why did his photos of the March On Washington go unseen for decades? https://bit.ly/4cgGzxW

📸: © 2013 to the Estate of Stanley Tretick LLC

08/29/2026

One of the most debated and transformative periods in United States history was the Reconstruction era.

During the era (1861-1900), the nation faced major questions. How would newly freed African Americans take their place in American life? What changes would come to American political, economic, military, and social life?

In 2017, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park was created to share this history.

Today, the park tells this story through the people and places of Beaufort, South Carolina. Visitors can learn how Reconstruction changed the nation through ranger programs and exhibits.

This National Park Week add Reconstruction Era National Historical Park to your next Lowcountry visit. Find hours the parks hours on: https://www.nps.gov/reer/index.htm

IMAGE: Library of Congress

08/25/2026

Celebrating Women's Equality Day with a post on my great-great Aunt Elizabeth Piper Ensley, an early suffragist. Born and raised by abolitionist family members on Bedford Street in New Bedford; her parents and grandparents were operators on the Underground Railroad. After a career in education, Elizabeth moved to Denver, Colorado. There Elizabeth organized the African American community in Colorado to win the vote for Black men and women in 1893 making Colorado the second state to grant women suffrage and the first by popular vote.

08/23/2026

Elizabeth Freeman took her enslaver to court and won her freedom in 1781. Her legislative win helped end slavery in Massachusetts.

in 1781, Elizabeth Freeman became the first enslaved African American to win a freedom lawsuit in MA, when a jury ruled in her favor, finding slavery to be inconsistent with the 1780 MA State Constitution. This past July, Fredie was honored to serve as a panelist for the discussion: “Enslavement & Freedom: Elizabeth Freeman and the American Revolution” on Wednesday, July 15th. The event was moderated by the amazing Marcus P. Smith , with over 200 guests in attendance! Check out the video: https://bit.ly/4g8xicl https://bit.ly/4fW32Tg

08/22/2026

Save The Date!

We are joining the National Endowment for the Arts to celebrate the 2026 Jazz Masters with a special live stream of the 2026 Jazz Masters Tribute Concert on Tuesday, September 15 at 8pm PT.

Join in on the celebration at neh.gov or arts.gov!

08/21/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EaGAPxrrw/

Send a message to learn more

08/18/2026

Happy birthday to my Auntie June.

This Thursday, August 20th, our beloved Elder June “ Gentle Stream” Rodericks turns 100 🎂 years young! She has lived an incredible life and touched so many of us along the way. To celebrate her milestone, we’d love for our community to reach out and show her some love this week. She’s currently at Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford. A quick phone call or a heartfelt card would mean the world to her — just a simple note to let her know she’s still in our thoughts and our hearts. Phone: (508) 996-6751 Address: 359 Summer Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 Please take a moment to send some warmth her way. She’s given so much to our people over the years — let’s make sure she feels that love right now. Wampanoag blessings to our Elder June Rodericks on her 100th birthday!