News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Miguel Hermoso Cuesta /Wikimedia Commons
Boston_Interior_Old_North_Church_13.jpg
Miguel Hermoso Cuesta /Wikimedia Commons
USA News

Boston church receives grant to help reconcile history of slavery

by Premier Journalist

A Revolutionary-war era church in Boston will be revamping its visitor experiences to account for the influence that slavery has had over the church.

On Tuesday, the National Endowment for the Humanities announced that it would invest $75,000 into changing up its educational experience. This grant is part of a more significant trend of investments made by the NEH nationwide.

"We'll be able to address what I call the paradox of the Old North Church," said Nikki Stewart, executive director of the Old North Foundation, the organization which maintains the site outside of the actual congregation that is present, "People see us as a symbol of liberty and independence, but the reality is that the church benefitted from the enslavement of Africans."

The Old North Church played an integral part in the Revolutionary War, specifically holding the two lanterns delivered by Paul Revere, the rider who helped inspire the American Revolution. However, it also has a history of being built by slaves. For example, former attendees had also served as slavers. The logwood used to create the site was harvested by slaves.

This grant, the Associated Press reports, "will help change the educational experience in three ways: through the narratives the staff tells to visitors; through updated exhibits and interpretive signage; and through new online and digital programming designed for children." Stewart says that they hope these changes will allow Americans to "see their stories in the Old North Church".

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate