Latest Past Events

Basil Dorsey Day Walking Tour

David Ruggles Center 225 Nonotuck St., Florence

Please join us in celebrating the life of Basil Dorsey, a freedom seeker from Maryland who began his escape from enslavement in 1836, ultimately settling in Florence, Massachusetts in 1844. DRC Guides Kim Gerould and Kevin McQuillan will start with a short introduction in the museum, and then walk, looking at sites connected to [...]

Museum Open: In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

David Ruggles Center 225 Nonotuck St., Florence

The David Ruggles Center for History and Education will be open Monday, January 15, 8-4, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors can learn about local, nationally significant Black Americans who while living in 1840s and 50s Florence (Northampton) fought against the institution of slavery and racial injustice. This history highlights not only [...]

Halloween Anti-slavery History Tour at Historic Park Street Cemetery, Florence

Park Street Cemetery Park Street, Florence

Steve Strimer will lead a history tour of the gravesites of leading antislavery activists and advocates including: formerly enslaved Black citizens, Northampton Association for Education and Industry founders (1842–1846), and Black and White Underground Railroad assistants and others. We'll then go find a few of their houses in the "Neighborhood Community" nearby. For more information, [...]