Ancestral Bridges Exhibit Relaunches at Frost Library Unveiling Untold Stories of Black and Afro-Indigenous Families
Photo: Ancestral Bridges
Source: amherstma.gov
The Town of Amherst Town Manager’s Office is pleased to share the announcement of the re-launch of Ancestral Bridges Exhibit at the Frost Library (located on the Amherst College campus). This expanded exhibition invites the community to delve into the captivating stories of Black and Afro-Indigenous families who lived and worked in Amherst during the 19th through early 20th centuries. The relaunch will take place on Tuesday, February 6, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m, at Frost Library on the Amherst College campus (61 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA 01002).
The enhanced exhibition features new photography, artifacts, and rare documents, inviting a deeper exploration of the lives and contributions of this long-neglected community. Attendees can anticipate an opening celebration filled with engaging remarks from community members and delectable cupcakes courtesy of Carefree Cakery.
The exhibition’s expansion includes new photographs organized into five thematic areas: military service, Westside Historic District, entrepreneurship & the Hills Hat Factory, Amherst College, and jazz. These images are sourced from both the Ancestral Bridges collection and the Amherst College Archives & Special Collections.
A notable addition to the exhibit is a letter written by a member of the 5th Cavalry during the Civil War, sent home to Amherst. The letter, written on a government-issued flier about the Emancipation Proclamation, will be displayed alongside a ledger listing all who served in the Civil War from the Town of Amherst and relevant photos.
In collaboration with Amherst College, this partnership marks the first of its kind. Anika Lopes, Founder of Ancestral Bridges, emphasizes the importance of the exhibit: “I hope these images and stories raise questions, prompt further research, and challenge us all to meet our collective responsibility to build a more just and equitable future.”
The librarian leading the collaboration, Blake Doherty, adds, “Working on this project has been an enriching experience, combining historical exploration with community engagement. We are excited to present this expanded exhibit, shedding light on a vital part of Amherst’s history.”