Author: pvhn

by Bill Hosley A real breakthrough in the world of local history and historicals is the result of the #PioneerValleyNetwork’s continuing success in programming, communications, and event planning. Their new “History on the Go” series features several Saturdays where a cluster of local historical museums coordinate and promote being open on at the same time … Continue reading “A Real Breakthrough…”

Join us for a gathering of local history enthusiasts, high school age and up, including local historians, public history professionals, genealogists, preservationists, academics, and others, in one place for a day of sharing. The Pioneer Valley History Network is teaming up with the History & Philosophy Department at Westfield State University to bring you this … Continue reading HistoryFest Pioneer Valley

By Cliff McCarthy (A version of this story appears on the website “Freedom Stories of the Pioneer Valley” (https://freedomstoriespv.wordpress.com) and is used with permission.)   Jupiter Richards was an American patriot. Of this fact there is no doubt, although much of his heartbreaking story is shrouded in speculation and unanswered questions. The facts are there … Continue reading The Saga of Jupiter Richards

By Cliff McCarthy (A version of this story appears on the website “Freedom Stories of the Pioneer Valley” (https://freedomstoriespv.wordpress.com) and is used with permission.)   Angeline Palmer was a freeborn African American raised in the Amherst alms-house.[1]  Her mother died of smallpox in 1831 when Angeline was about two years old and her father, Solomon … Continue reading The Rescue of Angeline Palmer

By Marla R. Miller Jane Maria Robinson Scottron appears among the more than sixty dressmakers listed in Springfield city directory in the 1870-71 publication—coincidentally (or not) the first year that the publishers of the directory did not flag which of the city’s residents were “colored.”[1]  If you didn’t already know that the Scottrons were a … Continue reading Jane Maria Robinson Scottron

By Melissa Cybulski Peter was an enslaved man owned by Rev. Stephen Williams of Longmeadow, MA.  He appears several times in Williams’ diary from approximately 1755-1774.  He may appear as early as 1751, but it is difficult to parse out which “Peter” is being referenced in the diary since there was at least one other … Continue reading Peter, of Longmeadow

By Cliff McCarthy (An early version of this story appears on the website “Freedom Stories of the Pioneer Valley” (https://freedomstoriespv.wordpress.com) and is used with permission.) Thomas Thomas was a legendary figure in Springfield’s African American community.   He was a great story-teller and, as is often the case, his tales have been reported many times over the … Continue reading Thomas Thomas, of Springfield

By Cliff McCarthy A curious item in the Springfield Republican of 17 December 1831 drew some attention: MARRIED -- In this town, Thanksgiving eve, Mr. John White, of Hartford, to Miss Lucretia Nazro, daughter of Colonel Nazro, of the colored military corps of this town.[1] Who was “Colonel” Nazro and what was the “colored military … Continue reading Aaron Nazro, of the “Colored Military Corps”