Florence Center Keeps Abolitionist Sojourner Truth's Story Alive

The David Ruggles Center in Florence, Massachusetts works to preserve the history of the famous 19th century abolitionist who lived in the town.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The David Ruggles Center in Florence, Massachusetts is working to preserve the history of famous 19th century abolitionist Sojourner Truth, who lived in the town during the abolitionist movement. The center's education coordinator, Tom Goldscheider, has found that many longtime local residents are unaware of Truth's connection to Florence. Goldscheider seeks to share Truth's story, which includes her escape from slavery, fight for her son's freedom, and role as a powerful voice during the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War.

Why it matters

Sojourner Truth was a trailblazing abolitionist whose story and contributions to the anti-slavery movement are often overlooked, even in the town where she lived. The David Ruggles Center's efforts to preserve this history and share it with the local community help ensure Truth's legacy is not forgotten.

The details

Truth was born into slavery in 1797 as Isabella Baumfree. She escaped with her daughter in 1826, a year before enslaved New Yorkers of her age were emancipated. Truth went on to become a prominent abolitionist and women's rights activist, fighting for the freedom of her son Peter and facing false accusations of murder. She settled in Florence, Massachusetts in 1843, joining the Northampton Association of Education and Industry, an abolitionist community. There, Truth met fellow abolitionist Frederick Douglass. In 1850, Truth dedicated herself to creating a narrative of her life as a slave, which helped boost her career.

  • Truth was born into slavery in 1797.
  • Truth escaped with her daughter in 1826, a year before enslaved New Yorkers of her age were emancipated.
  • Truth settled in Florence, Massachusetts in the winter of 1843.
  • In 1850, Truth dedicated herself to creating a narrative of her life as a slave.
  • Truth left Florence in 1857.

The players

Sojourner Truth

A famous 19th century abolitionist who was born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree, escaped with her daughter in 1826, and later settled in Florence, Massachusetts where she met fellow abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

Tom Goldscheider

The education coordinator at the David Ruggles Center in Florence, Massachusetts who is working to preserve the history of Sojourner Truth and the town's abolitionist past.

Frederick Douglass

A prominent 19th century abolitionist who met Sojourner Truth when she settled in Florence, Massachusetts.

Olive Gilbert

An abolitionist and women's rights activist who wrote the narrative of Sojourner Truth's life as a slave, as Truth could not read or write.

David Ruggles Center

A center in Florence, Massachusetts that is working to preserve the town's abolitionist history and Sojourner Truth's legacy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a great expression that they used back in that day, called 'oil on the water' — she would calm a situation where otherwise people weren't talking to each other, they were shouting at each other. She confronted many violent situations.”

— Tom Goldscheider, Education Coordinator, David Ruggles Center (gazettenet.com)

“She [Truth] was much respected in Florence for she was honest, industrious and amiable. Her quaint speeches easily gave her an audience, and she was one of the most useful members of the community in its day of small things.”

— Frederick Douglass (gazettenet.com)

What’s next

The David Ruggles Center is currently applying for Florence to become a National Historic District to further preserve the town's abolitionist history. The center will also be celebrating Founder's Day this April, the day it was established in 2008.

The takeaway

Sojourner Truth's powerful story as a trailblazing 19th century abolitionist is in danger of being forgotten, even in the town where she lived. The David Ruggles Center's efforts to share her history and legacy with the local community help ensure this important part of American history is not lost.