David Brion Davis, a leading historian of abolitionism, dismissed him as a mentally deranged, obsessive “little hunchback.” Lay gets better treatment from amateur Quaker historians ...

Benjamin Lay inspired his congregation to turn against slavery. His story is coming to Quintessence Theatre in May.

Historians have long debated whether the end of slavery in the United States was primarily driven by moral campaigns or economic changes. But what if both perspectives are looking at only part of the ...

Lucretia Mott’s signature Quaker bonnet—hand-sewn green silk ... s West End to drink tea and hear speeches from renowned abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison. Lucretia Mott, already ...

Financing the fight against slavery The economic power generated by whaling helped fund the abolitionist movement in tangible ways. Wealthy Quaker merchants in whaling towns, like Martha’s ...

Wealthy Quaker merchants in whaling towns, like Martha’s Vineyard, were some of the earliest and most fervent supporters of abolition. Whaling profits financed the construction of meeting houses ...