WESTFORD — Local author and historian Leslie Gwen Howard has released her new book, “Once Known: A History of Slavery in Westford, MA,” which examines the often-overlooked presence of slavery in Westford.
The book highlights the lives of enslaved individuals who were part of Westford’s history, but whose stories have largely faded from public memory. Through research and storytelling, Howard explores how slavery existed even in small New England towns and challenges readers to reconsider common assumptions about local history.
“Slavery is often viewed as something that happened elsewhere,” Howard said, ‘Once Known’ asks readers to recognize that it was present here in Westford, too — and that these were real people whose lives deserve to be remembered.”
Howard has long worked to preserve and share Westford’s history, focusing on making historical research accessible to the broader community. “Once Known” is intended for lifelong residents and newcomers seeking a deeper understanding of the town’s past.
The book is available at the Westford Museum and online through Amazon. Howard is available for interviews, community discussions, and local programming related to the book.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Leslie Howard at lghowardauthor@gmail.com.
