Florence in Northampton in Hampshire County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Northampton Association of Education and Industry
Photographed by Marc Posner, June 16, 2024
1. Northampton Association of Education and Industry Marker
The Northampton Association of Education and Industry was one of a number of utopian communities that arose in the 1840s. Its members were ardent abolitionists who believed in equality for blacks and women. The Association served as a haven for radical reformers and was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Sojourner Truth and David Ruggles, a well-known African-American abolitionist, were valued members. Engaged in silk manufacture and other economic activities, the Association paid all its workers equally. Frederick Douglas remembered its people as the "most democratic I have ever met. There was no high, no law, no masters, no servants, not white, no black."
In 1993, the Committee for Northampton was formed to dismantle racism and to call for social justice. This memorial was inspired by the life of Sojourner Truth and the interracial community to which she belonged. Welcome to this site and to this cause.
Erected 2002 by Committee for Northampton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Civil Rights.
Location. 42° 19.92′ N, 72° 40.487′ W. Marker is in Northampton, Massachusetts, in Hampshire County
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Massachusetts’ Knowledge Corridor, in Pioneer Valley, and in Greater Springfield. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sojourner Truth (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Sojourner Truth (a few steps from this marker); After the demise of the Northampton Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Basil C. Dorsey (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mill River Flood (approx. 0.2 miles away); Florence Manufacturing (approx. Ό mile away); The Anti-Slavery Community (approx. Ό mile away); Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northampton.
Also see . . . Sojourner Truth Memorial. (Submitted on July 17, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Marc Posner, June 16, 2024
2. Northampton Association of Education and Industry Marker
Beyond the marker is the Sojourner Truth statue.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
