Slavery in Westford?! It may be surprising, but there were at least 24 confirmed enslaved individuals in the town of Westford from 1730 to 1780. There is little in the historical record of these individuals and their lives, however some information has been compiled in an attempt to present what their life may have been like and to learn more about them.

Leslie Howard, President of the Westford Historical Society, will share her research of Peggy who was enslaved by Joseph Hildreth, Jr. and the other enslaved individuals in town.

Photo of Leslie Howard by Farmhouse Photography, Chelmsford, MA

This program is offered by the Westford Historical Society & Museum as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!