Lost from the Ledger, Westford’s Indigenous Past,
(Part of the “Once Known” Series)
Leslie Howard continues her exploration of Westford’s lesser-known history, this time focusing on the town’s Indigenous past. In this podcast, she will share the story of the Massachusett and Pennacook people who once inhabited the area. She will discuss their experiences as Praying Indians, the devastating impact of King Philip’s War, and their eventual “disappearance” from the historical record.
We invite you to listen to Leslie’s engaging podcast, “Lost from the Ledgers: Westford’s Indigenous Past,” which is part of the “Once Known” series. In this series, she thoughtfully explores and highlights the often-overlooked stories of Westford’s Indigenous heritage.
Once Known, History of Slavery in Westford, Massachusetts
Slavery in Westford may be surprising, but there were at least 24 enslaved individuals in the town of Westford from 1730 to 1780. There is little in the historical record of these individuals and their lives, however some information has been compiled in an attempt to present what their lives may have been like and to learn more about them.
Join Leslie Howard as she explores her research in the podcast episode, “Once Know: A History of Slavery in Westford.” Discover the hidden stories that shaped the community in unexpected ways.
Leslie Howard has a rich background in Museum work. Since 2006, she has been involved with institutions such as the Nichols House Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Museum of Science. Leslie earned her Master of Liberal Arts in Museum Studies from Harvard University Extension School, where her thesis was titled: “All History is Contemporary: Making the Case for Collecting Contemporary Objects at History Institutions.” Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in American History, a Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Minor in Writing, all obtained from Providence College.
Leslie has been an active member of the Westford Historical Society’s board since 2014, served as President from 2020 to 2025, and resides in Forge Village with her husband and their three children.
Additional Reading:
Howard: Once Known, Slavery in Westford
published: May 2024
