Faces on the Fenceline exhibit outside of Wistariahurst Museum on Beech Street.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
HOLYOKE — At the end of September, the Wistariahurst Museum announced the return of its popular outdoor display, Faces on the Fenceline.
The walking exhibit at the front of the museum features portraits of historical Black leaders in New England who have and are currently making history.
When guests visit, they can scan a QR code provided at the exhibit to learn more about the people in the portraits and delve deeper into the impactful stories of these remarkable figures.
Portraits include David Ruggles, Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, Ruth E. Carter, Paul Robeson, Harriet Wilon, Sojourner Truth and Constance Baker Motley.
Wistariahurst Museum Office Assistant Emily Munsell explained, “Faces on the Fenceline is an annual exhibit that has expanded over the years. It was conceived as a way to celebrate the rich Black community in Holyoke outside of Black History Month. Faces on the Fenceline has featured archival images of people who lived in Holyoke, Black historical figures from Massachusetts and this year, the exhibit features important figures from all over New England.”
A list of the people in the 2025 Faces on the Fenceline exhibit is available to view online at tinyurl.com/ycxbhvub.
Guests can also learn more about local prominent Black figures that shaped Holyoke by visiting the archives.
The exhibit also serves as a way to involve the community in an exhibit at the museum.
The vibrant, canvas backdrops for the portraits in Faces on the Fenceline were made by visitors at the Juneteenth celebration this summer at Wistariahurst in collaboration with Genuine Culture, adding a unique and sentimental touch to this exhibit.
This year, the museum had more canvases painted than any previous year, with 32 colorful canvases created by members of the community.
Munsell talked about the community involvement and said, “Putting these canvases on display for people to enjoy at any time is a great way to involve the creative people who reside in and around Holyoke.”
This outdoor display is an opportunity for everyone to explore the rich history and contributions of notable Black figures who have shaped the city, New England and history.
The outdoor exhibit experience is free by strolling past the museum on Beech Street.
Faces on the Fenceline began the outdoor display on Sept. 23, and will run through the entire month of October, weather permitting.
To make an appointment to see the archives and learn more about local prominent Black figures, readers can contact Wistariahurst Museum at info@wistariahurst.org or call 413-322-5660.
The grounds and gardens are open to the public every day from dawn to dusk so that everyone can explore, discover and engage with the Faces on the Fenceline exhibit.
Wistariahurst is an educational and cultural center owned and operated by the city of Holyoke and supported by The Wistariahurst Foundation. Wistariahurst is dedicated to preserving Holyoke’s history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events.
More information is available at Wistariahurst.org.
