Forgotten Souls of Tory Row

"Forgotten Souls of Tory Row: Remembering the Enslaved People of Brattle Street” is on view through March 2023. These trees represent the adults and children enslaved on what is now Brattle Street. The bottle tree tradition originated in West Africa and was brought to the United States by enslaved people. The tradition was passed down through generations, marking the survival of a cultural practice despite the bonds of slavery. The distinctive blue and white bottles were placed on trees to capture the energy, spirit and memories of ancestors. Learn more about the installation from History Cambridge.