People of Northampton

Betty Allen was a midwife in the Northampton area in the second half of the 18th century who assisted at 3,000 births. Her daughter Eunice Breck also became a midwife.

An artist, son of the Burleigh family of free-thinkers in Florence, known for portraits. Above is self-portrait.

An author, journalist, and activist who brought her causes with her to Northampton.

Enslaved to the Dwight family, where she protected children from the hot-tempered Mrs. Dwight.

Calvin and Grace Coolidge seemed destined to live a quiet life in Northampton, but Calvin entered politics and became president.

A lifelong peace and social justice activist who led by example.

An architect and builder who left his mark on Northampton’s Main Street.

Lesbians of Color in Northampton formed the group De Colores in the 1990s. Members were interviewed for an oral history project by Erika Slocumb.

Smith College’s first Native American student and renowned artist, illustrator, and designer.

Publisher of the Hampshire Gazette for 31 years.

One of the anti-slavery movement’s finest orators, he visited Northampton and Florence six times and gave speeches.

Theologian and Northampton’s evangelical minister for 21 years whose dramatic preaching led to the religious revival known as the Great Awakening.

Between 1654 and 1783, about 50 people were enslaved in Northampton at some time during their lives. Here is what we know about these individuals. (In our Topics section).

The Watson’s family donations to Historic Northampton were the result of the enslaved labor of 228 people on their Alabama plantation.

Portraits by Paul Shoul of 60 Northampton people who played a role in the City’s revitalization, with memories by those who knew them.

Lawyer and legislator who was a patriot leader of the American Revolution.

After freedom from slavery and widowhood, she supported her young family until forced out of town, showing that she could not be free in Northampton.

Native woman who lived and worked in Northampton and the so-called “last of the Nonotuck people” (she wasn’t).

Native people have lived here for 12,000 years. Learn about their lives in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

A Northampton woman accused of witchcraft, then exonerated.

Third-generation blacksmith, gunmaker, and Revolutionary War hero.

Highly regarded Indian Doctress who treated Northampton people.

Fearless anti-slavery abolitionist and active conductor on the Underground Railroad who lived in Florence.

Photographs by Stan Sherer that celebrate the shopkeepers of downtown Northampton, with their histories.

Portraits and interviews of people who lived in Northampton Lodging in 2016 before it was torn down (later rebuilt).

Hatfield woman who founded Smith College in 1870: “It is my wish that the institution … shall do the most good to the greatest number.”

Delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, senator, and governor for 11 terms.

Abolitionist and activist for African American and women’s rights who lived in Florence.

Learn about Historic Northampton’s collection of oral histories. Above, James McDonald interviews Janice Gatty of Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.