“Who are my ancestors?” The Descendants of Cuba Vassall

Cuba Vassall (c. 1734-1812) was the matriarch of a family that included abolitionists and community builders. In this short film, her living descendants reflect on their heritage and the legacy of slavery at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, the Royall House & Slave Quarters, and Christ Church Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The National Park Service thanks the many living descendants of Cuba and Darby Vassall for sharing their knowledge and insight into their ancestors’ legacies.

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Duration:6 minutes, 18 seconds

A family rediscovers the stories of their enslaved ancestors as they explore and reflect at three sites in Boston: Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, Royall House & Slave Quarters, and Christ Church Cambridge.

Slavery and Freedom in New England

Cuba Vassall was enslaved by John Vassall, for whom 105 Brattle Street was built, prior to the American Revolution. She would later seize her freedom alongside her husband, Tony, and their six children. Their son Darby Vassall (1769-1861) became a lifelong activist and advocate for civil rights. Learn more about the lives of Cuba and Darby Vassall and others enslaved at 105 Brattle Street.

The enslavement of African and Indigenous people in New England dates to the earliest period of British colonization and took place primarily in urban or domestic settings. New England also had deep ties to plantation slavery in the Caribbean colonies. The legal and extralegal actions of enslaved people eroded slavery in Massachusetts on the eve of the American Revolution. Slavery was outlawed in Massachusetts around 1783, following landmark cases brought by Elizabeth Freeman and Quock Walker.

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A family's journey

Though Dwelling in a Land of Freedom

This article traces the family of Cuba and Tony Vassall from enslavement to freedom, and the decades of activism that followed.

Freedom Seeker

Cuba Vassall

As she navigated slavery and freedom in Massachusetts, Cuba Vassall advocated for her own and her family’s interests.

Abolitionist

Darby Vassall

Enslaved at birth in this house, Darby Vassall seized his freedom during the American Revolution and joined the Black Bostonian community.

Where this belongs

• Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site

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