April 2, 2024

“Poets, prophets, and reformers are all picture-makers and this ability is the secret of their power and of their achievements. They see what ought to be by the reflection of what is, and endeavor to remove the contradiction.”
–Frederick Douglass (Boston Tremont Temple lecture, 1861)

A remarkable exhibit of materials, inspired by two photograph albums owned by Harriet Hayden is now on display at the Boston Athenaeum. Framing Freedom: The Harriet Hayden Albums brings to life the network of abolitionists and activists who participated in the network of assistance for freedom seekers who traveled to Boston from the 1840s onward. The Beacon Hill home of Harriet and Lewis Hayden was called “a temple of refuge” by fellow abolitionists. About one-fourth of the freedom seekers from the South found support and solace there.

We know of a connection that the Haydens had with Emmanuel’s Beecher Stowe family. Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose daughter Catharine was confirmed at Emmanuel Church in 1862, visited the Hayden’s home in 1853. Stowe referenced Lewis Hayden’s “real life stories” in her response to critics of her books. (See “Lewis and Harriet Hayden House”)

–Mary Beth Clack, Cindy Coldren, Mary Blocher, Pat Krol, Liz Levin
–Published in This Week @Emmanuel Church April 3 & 9, 2024