Dedication of the Cato & Lydia Freeman Hall

Photo of the new plaque dedicating the Caro & Lydia Freeman Hall. The text reads: 
Cato & Lydia
Freeman Hall
Dedicated February 2, 2024
Cato and Lydia Freeman were parishioners of the North Parish
for over 60 years, from 1789 until their deaths in 1853 and 1854.
They were not afforded full privileges of membership because they were Black.
In dedicating this hall to Cato and Lydia, we recognize their extraordinary commitment to the North Parish community through their labor, music, and grace.On Friday, February 2nd we celebrated the dedication of the Cato & Lydia Freeman Hall with these words: “With deep gratitude for the ancestors and all those who have come before us, we dedicate this (parish) hall in memory and in honor of Cato and Lydia Freeman. We dedicate ourselves to creating a more equitable, livable and just Merrimack Valley. On this day, February 2, 2024, we declare that this gathering space for all people will be known henceforth as the Cato and Lydia Freeman Hall.”

Thank you to the project researchers and presenters, and all who attended! See the links below for a slideshow and recording of the dedication:
Slideshow of the Dedication
Recording of the Dedication