
Trailer
Preview: 7/3/2025 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
This film reveals how slavery in the North was brought back into focus since the Bicentennial.
Unravelling a long-suppressed secret set in the birthplace of the American Revolution, where the opening shots were fired on April 19, 1775, this documentary explores a history that few people know - how slavery affected Concord and its surrounding areas.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback

Trailer
Preview: 7/3/2025 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
Unravelling a long-suppressed secret set in the birthplace of the American Revolution, where the opening shots were fired on April 19, 1775, this documentary explores a history that few people know - how slavery affected Concord and its surrounding areas.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Concord's Secret History
Concord's Secret History is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- Concord has always been a prosperous place.
(gun fire booming) I had an ancestor that fought at Concord Bridge.
(gun fire booms) My ancestors weren't in the books, but I knew the history.
(dramatic music) - Massachusetts was the first to abolish slavery in the country.
That's cool.
It was the first to enact slavery in the country, less cool.
- [Concord Resident] I was never taught in school there was slavery in Massachusetts.
(dramatic music)
The Origins of the Belmont Hill School Bell
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 7/3/2025 | 4m 43s | Justin, an African-American high-school student, helps discover the origins of a bell at his school. (4m 43s)
Thoreau’s Writings Shed Light on Concord’s Secret History
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: 7/3/2025 | 4m 10s | Thoreau’s book "Walden" sheds light on the history of slavery in Concord, Massachusetts. (4m 10s)
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