Weymouth Libraries Foundation Acquires Rare 1837 Letter by Maria Weston Chapman

We are proud to announce the acquisition of a rare handwritten letter penned by Maria Weston Chapman, one of the most influential figures in Weymouth's history and a leading voice in the American abolitionist movement.

1806 - 1885 ~ Maria Weston Chapman of Weymouth

Chapman, born in Weymouth in 1806, became a central organizer of the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society and a close collaborator of William Lloyd Garrison. The letter, dated June 20, 1837, was written in her capacity as an officer of the Society, urging a fellow abolitionist to circulate anti-slavery petitions in their town. It offers a firsthand glimpse into the grassroots organizing that powered the movement, and a direct link to one of Weymouth's own.

The Foundation purchased the letter at auction in August 2026. It has since been sent to the Northeast Document Conservation Center for professional preservation and imaging, ensuring the document is protected and stable for generations to come. Once conservation work is complete, the letter will join Weymouth's local history collection located at Tufts Library.

June 20, 1837 written to Reverend Samuel May of Scituate, Mass.

This acquisition reflects a core part of our mission to preserve the town's history and make meaningful historical documents accessible to all library patrons. Letters like this one connect our community to the larger story of American history and remind us that Weymouth has long been home to people who shaped it. The Foundation is committed to protecting these pieces of our past and putting them within reach of residents, students, and researchers alike.

We look forward to sharing more as the letter completes its journey home, stay tuned for more details.