ARTICLE
(Falmouth, Massachusetts): Highfield Hall & Gardens is pleased to host Dr. Michael Pregot to discuss his book, Slavery and Abolitionism on Cape Cod: A Massachusetts Incongruity, with a special emphasis on local stories of those connected to slavery or anti-slavery efforts. From the era of the Puritans through the end of the Revolutionary War, Boston was a central hub for the slave trade. Enslaved people were brought on board ships from the African coast with regularity, often mastered by Cape Cod Sea captains. The number of enslaved people per household was much smaller in the Northeast compared to the South, yet an increased labor force was still desired. While Massachusetts legally prohibited slavery in 1780, some captains continued to bring in enslaved people surreptitiously, while others serviced the market in indirect ways. The commonwealth’s maritime industry became divided with some fighting for abolitionism while others preferred a slow demise of this profitable endeavor. Dr. Pregot will discuss the religious views, political platforms, economic factors, and social movements that existed during the pre-Civil War period and will share many local stories. Following up on the research of Eric Turkington and Thelma Spicer, he will chronicle Falmouth owners of enslaved people, those who worked to combat slavery, and those enslaved people who resisted slavery themselves. Sharing profiles of notable Black enslaved people, Pregot recognizes their enormous contributions in Massachusetts. Dr. Pregot has spent over a half century in the field of education. He has served as a Modern Language teacher, a high school principal, a district-wide school superintendent, a professor of education and a University Director of an Educational Leadership Department. A long time Cape resident, he is now researching various aspects of local history, especially the maritime history of the Cape.
(Falmouth, Massachusetts): Highfield Hall & Gardens is pleased to host Dr. Michael Pregot to discuss his book, Slavery and Abolitionism on Cape Cod: A Massachusetts Incongruity, with a special emphasis on local stories of those connected to slavery or anti-slavery efforts.
From the era of the Puritans through the end of the Revolutionary War, Boston was a central hub for the slave trade. Enslaved people were brought on board ships from the African coast with regularity, often mastered by Cape Cod Sea captains. The number of enslaved people per household was much smaller in the Northeast compared to the South, yet an increased labor force was still desired. While Massachusetts legally prohibited slavery in 1780, some captains continued to bring in enslaved people surreptitiously, while others serviced the market in indirect ways. The commonwealth’s maritime industry became divided with some fighting for abolitionism while others preferred a slow demise of this profitable endeavor.
Dr. Pregot will discuss the religious views, political platforms, economic factors, and social movements that existed during the pre-Civil War period and will share many local stories. Following up on the research of Eric Turkington and Thelma Spicer, he will chronicle Falmouth owners of enslaved people, those who worked to combat slavery, and those enslaved people who resisted slavery themselves. Sharing profiles of notable Black enslaved people, Pregot recognizes their enormous contributions in Massachusetts. Dr. Pregot has spent over a half century in the field of education. He has served as a Modern Language teacher, a high school principal, a district-wide school superintendent, a professor of education and a University Director of an Educational Leadership Department. A long time Cape resident, he is now researching various aspects of local history, especially the maritime history of the Cape.