Stopping Stones Ceremony

13 Depot Square,Lexington MA 02420

14 April, 2022

Description

Exploring the meaning of liberty at the birthplace of the American Revolution In 2019, Lexington Historical Society began the journey of researching and reinterpreting the history of slavery in 18th century Lexington, focusing on the Hancock-Clarke House, where the Hancock family enslaved two individuals named Jack and Dinah in the years leading up to the Revolution. A revitalized tour at the property will include Jack and Dinah’s stories and the question of what liberty meant for different classes of people in this tumultuous time period. Dr. Robert Bellinger of Suffolk University, consulting historian for this project, will present his research looking not only into the lives of Jack and Dinah, but also those of the other Black families in town, both enslaved and free, in the 18th century. Then, as part of the reinterpretation of the house, the Society has partnered with Stopping Stones, an organization which creates memorials for enslaved people throughout the United States, to place such a memorial to Jack and Dinah at the Hancock-Clarke House site. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk through the museum following the dedication. Doors will open at 5:30 with light refreshments. Registration recommended but not required.