99 Main St
Groton, MA 01450
USA
The Groton History Center and the Groton Public Library are pleased to present Dr. Margaret Ellen Newell, on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 2 – 4 pm in the Sibley Room at the Groton Public Library.
Dr. Newell, a Professor of History at Ohio State University, has spent years writing about the Colonial economy and race relations in America. Her latest book, “Brethren by Nature: New England Indians, Colonists, and the Origins of American Slavery” reveals this little known aspect of American history. Dr. Newell has received the Peter J Gomes Memorial Book Prize from the Massachusetts Historical Society and the 2016 James A. Rawly prize for the best book on the history of race relations in the US.
The truth of New England’s involvement in the African slave trade has been brought to our attention the past several years. Current research reveals just how widespread was the captivity and forced labor of Native Americans in the 1600’s, both here in New England and across Colonial America. The once cherished image of highly moral, freedom seeking Pilgrims and Puritans is further tarnished. Indeed, Massachusetts became the first colony to legalize slavery in 1641. The major New England Indian Wars were shaped by the Colonist’s desire for slaves, including the Pequot War of 1637, King Phillip’s War of 1675 – 76 and the Wabanaki Conflicts 0f 1676 – 1749.
Come and learn more about this fascinating chapter in our country’s early history. Thanks to the Commissioners of Trust Funds for their support.