05/20/2026
For Immediate Release:
SOMERSET, MA: Friends Meeting House Named One of Nation’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places
Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Swansea Friends Meeting House to the 2026 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The Meeting House is located on Prospect Street in Somerset, Massachusetts. The Friends of Somerset Historic Preservation along with the Town of Somerset are working to restore the Meeting House, the oldest Quaker Meeting House in Massachusetts, dating back to 1701. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities maintain and enhance the power of historic places. Since its debut in 1988, the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has proven to be a highly effective tool to address the threats facing some of the nation’s most significant historic places. This year the list focuses on honoring the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and the self-evident truth that all people are created equal.
Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust stated: “Activating the Swansea Friends Meeting House for public use would enrich the historic community of Somerset and the surrounding region, and honor the vital roles the Quaker congregation played in the pursuit of religious freedom, the abolition of slavery, and women’s rights.” The Quakers believe that all people should be treated with respect, equality, and compassion. They allowed women to be ministers, worked to practice their religion without persecution, championed the abolition of slavery, worked in securing voting rights for women, and have continually supported the equality of all. The Quakers in Swansea refused to pay for a town minister, as required by law, and raised taxes in excess of the amount required to support a minister in order to defend their position in court. In 1728 the Massachusetts legislature exempted Quakers from being taxed for minsters, an early victory in the fight against the establishment of a state-supported Church. The belief in equality also allowed girls to attend school along with the boys, a rarity in the colonies. “This is the oldest building in town and was important in the development of the region. John Larsen, a long-time Board member of the Friends of Somerset Historic Preservation, says, “The importance of saving this historic building cannot be overstated. Due to the Quaker’s influence in the area, it is an essential part of the region’s history.”
A shining example of the quest for equality was Patience Brayton, a female minister at the Swansea Friends Meeting House from 1760 until her death in 1794. In 1771-1772 she travelled the colonies, including all of the southern colonies, preaching against slavery, and she is recognized as one to the earliest voices to condemn slavery. She also joined a party of Quakers in a voyage to the U.K., where she tried to gain an audience with King George to convince him to abolish the slave trade. Although she never did gain the audience she desired, she did send an impassioned letter to the King. All was not lost on the trip, however, since her group did succeed in creating a Women’s Meeting for the Friends. Patience Brayton was buried in the old cemetery behind Friends Meeting House, where a monument was erected in her honor in 1976. Somerset’s Town Administrator, Mark Ullucci shared his feelings on the project, “The Town of Somerset, partnering and collaborating with local and national historical heroes, including members from the Friends of Somerset Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ensures that The Friends Meeting House will be preserved and shared with visitors for generations to come. Dating back to 1701, visitors will experience a true walk-in time capsule, leaving with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Quaker Congregation, the impact of this site, and the powerful impact these amazing individuals had on the very foundation of our Nation.”
ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF SOMERSET HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Friends of Somerset Historic Preservation (FOSHP) is a 501c3 public non-profit organization of Somerset residents whose interest is the preservation of our historic structures and landmarks. Twenty-first century townspeople are surrounded every day by visible clues to Somerset's history and culture. Our goal is to identify, commemorate, and preserve our local treasures, not only for today's residents but for future generations of townspeople as well. More information on the organization, building and Quaker’s contributions can be found at foshp.org
ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities maintain and enhance the power of historic places. Chartered by Congress in 1949 and supported by partners, friends, and champions nationwide, we help preserve the places and stories that make communities unique. Through the stewardship and revitalization of historic sites, we help communities foster economic growth, create healthier environments, and build a stronger, shared sense of civic duty and belonging. SavingPlaces.org
