Abolitionists

Showing results 1-10 of 132

    • Locations: Boston National Historical Park, Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
    Studio portrait in oval of woman turned toward right in Victorian dress

    Reformer and writer Julia Ward Howe is most famous for writing the words to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" during the American Civil War and the "Mother's Day Proclamation" (1870). She advocated for the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and peace.

    • Locations: Boston African American National Historic Site, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
    Standing portrait of Leonard Grimes, wearing ministerial robes

    Reverend Leonard Andrew Grimes led the Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston and dedicated himself to helping freedom seekers escape slavery on the Underground Railroad.

  • Boston African American National Historic Site

    Henry Ingersoll Bowditch

    • Locations: Boston African American National Historic Site
    Black and white portrait of a White man with light hair wearing a dark suit and sitting at a desk.

    A renowned physician and humanitarian, Dr. Henry Ingersoll Bowditch dedicated much of his life to the cause of abolition, public health, and social reform. He also played a pivotal role in providing protection and assistance to freedom seekers escaping slavery through Boston.

    • Locations: Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site
    a side portrait of Nell with short wavy hair and side burns

    As an abolitionist and civil rights advocate, William Cooper Nell committed himself to a lifetime of service to the causes of freedom and equality.

  • Boston National Historical Park

    Judith Winsor Smith

    • Locations: Boston National Historical Park
    Older white woman with graying hair wearing glasses.

    Considered the oldest active suffragist, Judith Winsor Smith spent seven decades at the center of the Boston suffrage movement.

    • Locations: Boston National Historical Park, Boston African American National Historic Site

    Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Julia Williams became an anti-slavery activist and educator in Boston. Her husband, Henry Highland Garnet, joined her in this effort.

    • Locations: Boston African American National Historic Site, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
    Historical photo of a man in a suit standing next to a table with his right arm resting on it.

    "The Prince of Caterers," Joshua Bowen Smith dedicated himself to the abolition movement and helping those seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad.

  • Boston African American National Historic Site

    Joshua Giddings Dodge

    • Locations: Boston African American National Historic Site
    An older man wearing a black suit sits in a chair with a small child wearing white on his lap.

    An abolitionist and businessman, Joshua Giddings Dodge served on the Boston Vigilance Committee.

  • Boston African American National Historic Site

    William Blakemore

    • Locations: Boston African American National Historic Site
    A black and white photo of an elderly man in 19th century formal wear.

    William Blakemore was a member of the 1850 Vigilance Committee, and while we don't know if his home served as a safe house, he and his wife engaged in antislavery work in addition to William’s membership.

  • Boston African American National Historic Site

    William F. Channing

    • Locations: Boston African American National Historic Site

    Physician and scientist William F. Channing participated in the Underground Railroad as a member of the Latimer Committee and the 1850 Boston Vigilance Committee.

Last updated: August 17, 2018