Holy Cross to Hold Performance on Worcester's African-American History

WORCESTER, Mass. – On Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rehm Library, the College of the Holy Cross will present "An Evening with the Rich Sisters." The performance is free and open to the public.

Interpreters Dr. Ogretta McNeil, Holy Cross professor emerita and retired dean; Mary Collins; and Dr. Shirley Carter will explore the life and times of the Rich family of Worcester, Mass. during the mid-19th century. Their performance will address topics related to the African-American experience in central New England.

The Rich family was one of the most prominent African-American families in Worcester. Peter Rich was born a slave in Lancaster, Mass. in 1769. He moved to Worcester as a young adult where he married and had eleven children. Rich was one of only three "colored" property owners in the town. His grandson Benjamin Clough was one of the first men of color to carry the mail in Worcester. His granddaughter Jennie Cora Clough was the first African-American to graduate from a Worcester high school. She went on to graduate from the Worcester Normal School, became a school teacher and married George Busby who, when elected to the City Board of Aldermen, became the first person of color to be part of the Worcester government.

Holy Cross professor and historian Thomas Doughton has done extensive documentary work on the Rich family. His research has facilitated the "Rich Sisters" performances, which have been featured at town historical societies, public libraries and churches.

This event is co-sponsored by Africana Studies, the Center for Interdisciplinary & Special Studies, Women's Studies, the history department, the Donelan Office of Community Based Learning and the Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture.