Created by graduate students in the History and American Studies departments at UMass Boston, this site showcases letters, photographs, legal documents, artifacts, and interviews that explore de facto segregation in Boston and the federally-mandated desegregation of Boston public schools. Students unearthed materials from various collections in separate Boston archives, selected a representative sampling, and presented them here, together, in new collaborative context.
Featured Item
John Joseph Moakley with his brothers

John Joseph Moakley (right) with his brothers, Robert and Thomas
Featured Collection
Congressman John Joseph Moakley Papers, 1926-2001

The paper of Congressman John Joseph Moakley are housed at the Moakley Archive and Institute, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts.The sample of…
Featured Exhibit
Kathleen Sullivan: "That Girl" Who Shook Things Up

“So it is going to be,” she said softly, “and things are going to change.” –Kathleen Sullivan [1] Kathleen Sullivan joined the...
Recently Added Items
Minutes from the Boston School Committee from June 28, 1974

After Kathleen Sullivan's initial vote against the appeal, the Boston School Committee votes unanimously to appeal Judge Garrity's ruling. Sullivan…
William Hallissey "Billy" Sullivan Jr. with Governor Dukakis and Mayor Flynn

Billy Sullivan, owner of the NFL Patriots, with Mayor Flynn and Governor Dukakis.
Minutes from the Boston School Committee from February 28, 1975

Minutes from the Boston School Committee regarding the the motion to strike Robert Dentler's testimony from the desegregation hearings.
Minutes from the Boston School Committee from September 10, 1975

Minutes from the Boston School Committee regarding Superintendent Marion Fahey's nominations to the School Department.
Minutes from the Boston School Committee from January 23, 1975

Minutes from the Boston School Committee regarding the amended December 16, 1974 desegregation plan. This plan would be submitted to Garrity on…