An invaluable record of African American lives in the aftermath of Emancipation and Reconstruction
This book presents a photographic narrative of African American and Native American migration and resettlement in the aftermath of Emancipation and Reconstruction. Taken between 1897 and 1917 by itinerant photographer William Bullard of Worcester, Massachusetts, these photographs address larger themes involving race in American history, many of which remain relevant today: the story of people of color claiming their rightful place in society and creating a community in new surroundings.
William Bullard’s heretofore unpublished collection of more than 230 glass negatives presenting the African American and Nipmuc communities of Worcester, Massachusetts, at the turn of the century provides an exceptional opportunity to significantly deepen our understanding of the use of photography at a political and personal level. Unlike most extant photographic collections of black Americans taken in this period, the subjects in Bullard’s photographs are identified in his logbook, allowing this book to tell specific stories about individuals and re-create a more accurate historical context.
In addition, though most publications engaging with African American history focus on the Gilded Age or the Civil Rights eras, this collection of Bullard’s photographs exposes a critical gap in many visual histories. Predating the Great Migration, these photographs portray a moment seldom stressed in the historical narrative, replacing stereotypical notions of poverty and dysfunction with accomplishment and respectability.

Rediscovering an American Community of Color: The Photographs of William Bullard, 1897–1917

Arts & Photography

Morrill, Frank

Burns, Nancy

Greenwood, Janette

Photography & Video

Worcester Art Museum

Worcester, the "Heart of the Commonwealth", developed an extremely diverse industrial base. This diversity was a magnet for drawing immigrants from all parts of the world to work in the industries and resulted in the development of many ethnic neighborhoods. This immigration helped to fuel the growth that saw the city leap from 58,291 in 1880 to 179,754 in 1920.

Worcester Through Time (America Through Time)

Morrill, Hannah

America Through Time

By the mid-nineteenth century 80 percent of Charlton land was used for agricultural purposes. The railroad arrived in 1838 giving the farmers new markets. The dairy industry, from which Charlton received it moniker “cow town”, expanded up to the First World War, then began a long decline, and has now vanished. As the twentieth century drew closer, small shops along the many waterways, began to be absorbed by larger mills which are now gone. Charlton’s excellent school system and its geographic location with its proximity to Worcester, Springfield, Hartford and Boston resulted in a dramatic population increase in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 1920 the population was 1,995, by 1970 it had slowly increased to 4,654, then it was “discovered” and today it is over 13,000. Today, taking a leisurely walk through the woodlands of Charlton will result in viewing stonewalls in every direction, evidence of once open fields cleared of stones by hard working farmers of a bygone time.

Charlton Through Time (America Through Time)

By the mid-nineteenth century, Spencer was beginning its 100-year progression in the wire and shoe business. The railroad arrived in 1879, opening new markets. Trolleys arrived in 1891 to aid workers' transportation needs. These improvements in transportation helped to fuel the expansion of both industries, which were so significant in the town's history.  Population growth followed this expansion of jobs, rising from 2,777 in 1860 to 7,627 in 1900. Dairy farms were prevalent during this time, but the mid-twentieth century brought the demise of many farms. The school system had expanded greatly with many multi-room brick schools being built before the close of the nineteenth century.  Today, the population is approximately 12,000. The shoe and wire industries have long disappeared, and Flexcon Company stands as the town's largest employer. As of this writing, Main Street is undergoing a major modernization, which will hopefully spur even more renovation for a town rich in history and ready for renewal.

Spencer Through Time (America Through Time)

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Morrill, Frank. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Morrill, Frank

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Morrill, Frank. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Rediscovering an American Community of Color: The Photographs of William Bullard, 1897–1917

Worcester Through Time (America Through Time)

Charlton Through Time (America Through Time)

Spencer Through Time (America Through Time)