with Robert A. Gross, University of Connecticut emeritus professor, and author of The Minutemen and Their World (2001) and of The Transcendentalists and Their World (2021)

Saturday, Sept. 25th • 10-11 am • Online • Register here

Concord’s Ellen Garrison, daughter and granddaughter of men who had been enslaved, spent her life educating newly freed people and fighting for their civil rights. Ellen taught in southern Freedmen’s schools during Reconstruction and tested the nation’s first Civil Rights Act in court after she was prevented by authorities from desegregating a train station waiting room in Baltimore. Historian Bob Gross discovered over 80 of Ellen’s letters and school reports, written to her American Missionary Association supervisors. As a Black woman in the South, Ellen writes about her personal encounters with racism and harassment, as well as the appreciation and support shown for her efforts. Join The Robbins House as we follow Ellen’s footsteps through her letters and explore the context of her writing.

WRITE CONCORD is a monthly forum where local writers can explore new ideas, connect with other writers, and hone their craft. The program is a collaboration between CCACE, Lara Wilson of Be Well Be Here, and the Concord Free Public Library as well as the Friends of the Library. Dr. Gross’s research into Ellen Garrison has been funded in part by the Institute of Museum & Library Services.