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The Hidden Brookline Committee brings to light the hidden history of slavery and freedom in our town. Since 2006, we have carried out extensive research and organized many public events.
Events: Brookline Adult Education is sponsoring our Walking Tour of Slavery & Freedom
Much of Brookline's history remains hidden in plain view. This walking tour will visit three sites that tell the key stories of slavery and freedom in our town. Our tour will begin at Town Hall, where you'll look for the evidence of slavery right inside the front door. The walk will also stop at an Underground Railroad house where you'll hear the story of one of the most daring escapes to freedom. We'll end our walk at the Old Burying Ground on Walnut St. The walk is not strenuous—.8 mile. If you leave your car at Town Hall, it’s an additional 3/4 of a mile to walk back from where we finish at the cemetery. Those who would prefer can drive the short distances from Town Hall to the 2nd and 3rd sites. The walk is not strenuous; however, those who need to can drive the short distances between sites.
Some of our recent projects:
- Concerts
- Walking tours* & talks
- Workshops for teachers
- Public exhibits
- Engraved memorial stones honoring African Americans
- Sneak preview of a downtown play
Our work is a part of the Office of Diversity, led by Lloyd Gellineau, Ph.D. We enjoy partnering
with other organizations.
For more information or to schedule a talk or a walking tour, contact Lloyd Gellineau, director of the Office of Diversity and Community Relations: [email protected] or
Dr. Barbara Brown, founder and chair of Hidden Brookline: [email protected]
*The 90-minute tour visits three sites telling the history and stories of slavery and freedom. Beginning at Town Hall, participants look for evidence of slavery hidden in plain sight. The walk continues to an Underground Railroad house to hear the story of a person sheltered here after a daring escape to freedom. The walk ends with stories at the Old Burying Ground on Walnut St. While the walk isn’t strenuous, participants can drive the short distances between sites. We also offer a special shorter tour for young children.
Check out events from our sister organization!
The Town of Brookline MLK Celebration Committee presents: An afternoon of engaging music and conversation, A Family Revealed: From Slavery to Hope, two descendants of a Confederate enslaver share their story, features folk singer and social activist Reggie Harris and longtime Brookline educator and resident Wallis Raemer. Onstage, the two cousins, one black and one white, discuss their special journey and what it was like to discover each other’s deeply held feelings, pain, and hope. To underscore their messages and experience, Reggie Harris, a prominent interpreter of the use of music in historical movements for social change, sings his stirring, original songs.
Free, but reservations required. For more information and tickets go to the MLK Celebration Committee webpage:
https://www.brooklinema.gov/465/MLK-Celebration-Committee or see attached.
Free, but reservations required. For more information and tickets go to the MLK Celebration Committee webpage:
https://www.brooklinema.gov/465/MLK-Celebration-Committee or see attached.