Ghosts in the Museum: The Leverett Street Jail

The eclectic West End was uniquely known for its Urban Renewal, influential residents, and abolitionists. The culturally diverse neighborhood was home to African, Irish, Eastern European, Italian, Greek, Asian, and Albanian immigrants. It was also infamous for its executions (predominantly of pirates of African or Hispanic decent) at the Leverett Street Jail. The “hempen jig,” as hangings were referred to by spectators, could be viewed from a dozen homes on Lowell Street.

“Wealthy people could get into the yard. People who lived in close proximity to the jail would rent rooms so they could watch from the windows or roof of the building,” explained Duane Lucia, The West End Museum’s (WEM) President and Curator. “People wanted to see the sensation.”

Lucia presented Ghosts in the Museum: The Leverett Street Jail…