Veterans' Heritage Grant Digitizing Boston's Hero Squares

The City of Boston Archives secured funding to digitize documentation on "Hero Squares," memorials for veterans killed in action. Aurora Daniel, a graduate student and U. S. Army veteran, was selected to lead the project. The Veterans Services Department manages a database of dedicated public spaces honoring these service members.

The practice of naming squares began in 1918, offering a way for Bostonians to remember those who served. Daniel's engagement with the records provides insight into the changing demographics of Boston neighborhoods, illustrating patterns of immigration and migration. The earliest Hero Squares reflected the city's historical immigration trends, with later squares acknowledging the contributions of Black soldiers. This project not only preserves the history of these memorials but also emphasizes Boston's ongoing commitment to recognizing veterans. The digitization effort aims to enhance public access to these significant historical records.