A historic gravestone at the Granary Burying Ground in Boston, Massachusetts, has been restored, preserving the story of a formerly enslaved man known as Boston. The marker is believed to be one of the oldest gravestones of a free Black person in America.

Rediscovery and Restoration

The gravestone was found partially buried and badly damaged by centuries of weathering. According to the city, it was documented and then moved to a climate-controlled workspace where it was cleaned to help reveal the inscription. Conservators also repaired parts of the grave with conservation-grade materials to prevent further deterioration.

Following the conservation work, the gravestone was returned to the Granary Burying Ground. It was set vertically at its original location. The restoration of the gravestone highlights the important role of historic preservation and the historic burying grounds in bringing to light overlooked stories in the City’s rich history.

The Story of Boston

The gravestone is believed to be the final resting place of a man named Sebastian, who was born in bondage but developed white allies during a long campaign to obtain a legal marriage to his wife, who was also a slave. He later obtained his freedom and became a father of six. Evidence suggests that his advocacy helped inspire both the publication of New England’s earliest antislavery tract and the passage of legislation in Massachusetts supporting marriage rights for the enslaved.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.