For the Unremembered

An evocative journey through Cape Cod, Massachusetts, uncovering the hidden and often-overlooked stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked there As both a work of historical, creative nonfiction and a guidebook, For the Unremembered uncovers and reflects on Cape Cod's role in the institution of slavery. Readers will learn about the Cape's involvement in the chattel slave trade and how colonists participated in and supported this inhumane system through various means. Uncovering the traces left behind by the enslaved individuals who lived on the Cape, author Susanna Graham-Pye highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions and lives of those who were deliberately left out of mainstream history. Through a blend of lyrical reflections and practical guidance, this book invites readers to explore significant locations across Cape Cod, offering a deeper understanding of its historical landscape. By revisiting the places where enslaved people once stood and evoking the sights, sounds, and smells they might have experienced, For the Unremembered seeks to bridge the gap between past and present. Features include addresses and coordinates for key locations to visit on the Cape to pursue a deeper understanding of its past; a foreword by Lynne Rhodes, president of the Cape Cod Chapter of NAACP; and chapters that spotlight towns including Sandwich, Yarmouth, Barnstable and Dennis, Eastham, Brewster, Falmouth and Mashpee, Harwich and Chatham, Orleans, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. For the Unremembered encourages readers to join the ongoing efforts to untangle the systemic racism rooted in our history and to honor the unremembered individuals who helped shape our communities. This book is an important step toward a more inclusive and truthful understanding of Cape Cod's past and its role in slavery in the United States.