Support The Robbins House, ‘a beacon of history’
Just steps from the North Bridge, generations of Black families lived and built lives rooted in resilience and patriotism.
On September 26, The Robbins House hosted its first-ever Legislator and Stakeholder Breakfast. It was a historic morning, not simply because of where we gathered, but because of what it represented: a commitment to ensuring Acton’s Black history remains part of the American story.
We were honored to welcome state Rep. Simon Cataldo and Acton Select Board member Paul Boehm, who joined us in person and offered strong words of support. We also thank the staff of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Ed Markey, state Sen. Mike Barrett, state Rep. Carmine Gentile, and Rep. Lori Trahan for their participation. Their presence, along with the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, underscored that the work of The Robbins House is not only local but of state and national importance.
Here at The Robbins House, just steps from the North Bridge, generations of Black families lived and built lives rooted in resilience and patriotism. It was the home of Caesar Robbins, who was forced to serve as an enslaved teenager in the French and Indian War and later fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War. It was also the birthplace of Ellen Garrison Jackson, a teacher and civil rights activist whose courage carried Acton’s ideals across the country.
Our mission is to keep these stories alive, to add pages to the history of our nation rather than see them erased. But to do this, we need the support of our community. Elected officials and philanthropic partners take notice when the people of Acton and beyond show they care.
We cannot do this alone. We ask for your allyship, your advocacy, and your contributions so that The Robbins House remains a beacon of history and hope for generations to come.
Jen Turner
Executive Director
The Robbins House
