2007: Historical Marker to Sacco and Vanzetti Rededicated in the North End of Boston

Nearly 40 people braved the Boston cold on Saturday, December 1st. 2007, to unveil and rededicate a historical marker for Sacco and Vanzetti in the North End. The plaque was reinstalled at 256 Hanover Street, the place where the Sacco and Vanzetti Defense Committee functioned from 1925 to 1927. An original plaque had been installed there in 1976, during the bicentennial of the U.S. independence, as part of the Freedom Trail. Early in the 80s, however, the plaque disappeared. The Sacco and Vanzetti Society formed this year to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the execution of Sacco and Vanzetti decided to correct this situation and now there is a new plaque in place with the original wording and marking as it was in 1976.

The ceremony included a historical introduction by Robert D'Attilio, Franco Castellano and Pasqualino Colombaro. Former governor Michael Dukakis also participated, remembering his own struggle to issue a proclamation to declare that any "stigma and disgrace should be forever removed from the names of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, from the names of their families and descendants.". Jake Carman, member of the Boston Anti-Authoritarian Movement (BAAM), one of initiators of the 2006 Sacco and Vanzetti Parade in Forest Hills, and founder of the Sacco & Vanzetti Commemoration Society, also address the participants reporting on the work of young anarchist in New England. Sergio Reyes, from the Society and the Boston May Day Coalition ended the program announcing the resolve of the Society to erect a monument to Saco and Vanzetti in 2008. Marianne Colella of the Society was the official MC for the ocassion.

To view video of the event in YouTube click here.


Former governor Michael Dukakis


Frank Castellano and Pasqualino Colombaro


Jake Carman


Marianne Colella and Sergio Reyes


Robert D'Atillio


Former governor Michael Dukakis and Jake Carman after the unveiling