On Tuesday, April 14th we had the unique opportunity to learn from Jen Turner, Executive Director of the Robbins House in Concord, Massachusetts. Jen explored the history of The Robbins House and its occupants through the lens of Ellen Garrison. Ellen Garrison lived from birth in the house that would become known as The Robbins House, attended Concord Public Schools, and eventually became a civil rights activist and educator in the South during post-Civil War Reconstruction.

Jen discussed what motivated Ellen to become a teacher and one of the first African American women in the United States to challenge segregation laws in the country after the Civil War.

Jen Turner has been Executive Director of the Robbins House for the past three years and delights in every opportunity to highlight the lives of the members of the Robbins and Garrison families.