Wistariahurst Museum’s ‘Faces on the Fenceline’ exhibit honors Black civil rights leaders

HOLYOKE — The stark and imposing spiked fenceline surrounding Wistariahurst Museum is more welcoming these days. It is adorned with wooden canvases featuring splashes of color and historic Black figures from across western Massachusetts and New England.

The museum’s new “Faces on the Fenceline” exhibit showcases portraits of 32 Black leaders who have fought for civil rights and freedom — some from years ago, and others who are continuing the campaign.