Ellen Garrison Day - Friday, April 14, 2023

The Concord Select Board declared April 14, 2023, "Ellen Garrison Day" to honor the contributions of Concord resident Ellen Garrison.  Ellen was born on April 14, 1823 in Concord, the granddaughter of Patriot of Color, Ceasar Robbins.  Ellen lived a life dedicated to the struggle for civil rights until her passing in an anti-slavery community in Pasadena, California, where she is buried alongside other anti-slavery activists. 

Learn about Ellen and her life of activism by clicking on the proclamation and join to community for a celebration in her honor on Friday, April 14, 2023.

"Stand up for Ellen" Friday, April 14, 2023 at 6 p.m.

12 Monument Square, Concord, MA, followed by a reception at the Town House, 22 Monument Square.  If you can't be there in person, the event will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/vlSBkbSZ-7c?feature=share

• Music
• Living History
• Arts and performance
• Dedication, celebration, and cake
• Free, open and suitable to all ages!

This is the FIRST Official Event of the Concord 250 Celebration!

For the first time in 200 years, on April 14, 2023, Concord will publicly honor and celebrate the birth of one of its most inspirational daughters, Ellen Garrison and showcase the 1841 visit of Frederick Douglass to Concord!

Presented by Robbins House and is the first event of Concord 250 celebration. Free and suitable for all ages. Located at Holy Family Church and Concord Town House.

Thanks to the kind offer of collaboration and support of people all over Concord, this event will create an opportunity for a celebration of the legacy and importance of the African American story as central the story of the town. This event allows for public visibility and exposure to help more members of the community learn about and honor a history that may be new to them, but is essential for them and their understanding of Concord’s role in securing freedom for all people.