Slavery and Freedom in Northampton

For at least 129 years, slavery was part of the fabric of everyday life in Northampton. At least 50 enslaved individuals lived here from the town’s English settlement in 1654 until 1783 when slavery was abolished in Massachusetts.

This exhibit features life-sized silhouettes of men, women, and children who were enslaved here. Each silhouette has information about their individual lives found in historic documents.  Their histories reveal aspects of enslavement and examples of freedom and resistance to oppression.

The exhibit tells what we currently know about the lives of these enslaved individuals and how some gained freedom, started families, and purchased property.  It also describes the ways in which Northampton enslavers exerted power and control over their lives.

Exhibit Information

Exhibit Dates
July 3, 2025 – December 11, 2026

September & October Hours
Wednesday – Sunday
​11 am to 5 pm

Admission
By Donation

Where
Historic Northampton Main Gallery
46 Bridge Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Directions, Transportation & Parking