First Church In Roxbury Research Center
Black & Indigenous Legacies
Community-driven research to uncover and honor the voices of the past, understand our present, and aim for a more inclusive tomorrow
Embedded Files
UNLOCKING THE PAST
This repository serves as the first step to uncovering more stories on the Black and Indigenous men, women, and children who carved their own lives and freedom within the spaces and community at First Church in Roxbury. The stories of Black and Indigenous individuals living in Boston and the greater US during the 1600-1800s were intentionally removed from the historic records, leaving us with only mere mentions of their economic value or legal status. Yet, we all know their stories are significant and sacred, making up the backbone of this country and modeling to us what the human mind, heart, and soul can do.
We now have the opportunity to uncover their voices and understand the humanity, resiliency, and strength of the men and women who shaped our community, culture, and country. Here are some of their stories uncovered so far.
OUR NEXT STEP involves YOU.
Searching and interrogating the translated historic records, linked repositories, and First Church Roxbury Name Tracker, you can help us bring this history to life! To learn more on how to use these resources, review the research page. A good place to start is reading the 2023 project report.
Stay curious. Stay vigilant. Stay empathetic.
Their voices are there, and we can learn a lot from them, but treat them with care.
This database includes all names of individuals found in records tied to the First Church in Roxbury, the historic region which the church served, and related ties (i.e. sister churches) from 1780-1820 (colonial to early republic).
Database in progress.
almost 200 years, over 90 names...
almost 200 years, over 90 names...
Learn the names and read the stories of the people of color tied to First Church Roxbury's history, 1630 - 1821. Reclaiming these histories aims to appreciate the roots of Roxbury's rich and thriving Black community, gain a more nuanced and historical understanding of racial inequality, and honor the individual and collective legacies of progressing liberty, freedom, and representation in the Greater Boston area.
Photo source: The grave marker for Thomas and Lydia Bedunah’s son Benjamin in the Eliot Burial Ground in Roxbury. BANNER PHOTO https://baystatebanner.com/2023/03/08/colonial-era-marriage-challenged-race-norms/
Explore the historic meetinghouse virtually or onsite following this guided online tour.
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