A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

I. Slavery in Massachusetts, 1620s to the American Revolution

Framing Questions

In what ways do these documents provide evidence about:
  1. The role of slavery in colonial Massachusetts?
  2. The realities of slavery in Massachusetts?
  3. Challenges to slavery in this period on both moral and legal grounds?
  4. The effect of the American Revolution on slavery in Massachusetts?

Documents

Manuscipt of an an act to impose a duty on slavesThe Importation of Slaves
Manuscript petition from a group of slaves to General Gage Petitions for Freedom
Bill of sale for a slave names Dinah To be sold...