Anti-Slavery Society of Salem and Vicinity Records

The Anti-Slavery Society of Salem and Vicinity was founded January 2, 1834, as a local chapter of the American Anti-Slavery Society. The membership of the society was composed of many Salem men who were active in other social reform movements, including society presidents Cyrus P. Grosvenor and William B. Dodge.

The Anti-Slavery Society met for six years. The society’s activities included holding lectures and monthly prayer concerts as well as establishing a reading room of anti-slavery literature. The society also sent delegations of members to local anti-slavery conventions. During their meetings, members debated various issues relating to slavery, such as: “What is the duty of the citizens of the free states in relation to slavery in the United States?” and “Can the slaves be justified from scripture, in using physical force to obtain their freedom?"

The collection includes two record books, loose meeting minutes, and newspaper clippings. Of note within the 1834-1839 record book is a vote taken to form a committee to procure suitable apprenticeships for young Black men of Salem and a Preamble and Resolution on the murder of Elijah Parish Lovejoy. Also of note is the attendance of Moses Grandy at a January 16, 1837 meeting of the society where he spoke on his past conditions in slavery and desire to purchase the freedom of his children.

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