Priscilla [Aguiar] Hilliard Oral History Interview

Oral History Interview with Priscilla Hilliard, March 2, 2017

Biographical Note: Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1947; daughter Mary C. (Freitas) and Alvaro Aguiar; the Freitas branch of the family from Azorean island of Faial; Aguiar branch from Madeira Island; Priscilla (Aguiar) Hilliard grew up on Central Street in the heart of Lowell’s major Portuguese neighborhood and was educated in Lowell’s public schools, graduated from Lowell High School, and later, Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts; during part of her school years she worked in the family’s bakery business on Central Street; and later she worked for Raytheon Corporation in a clerical position, followed by professional administrative positions with the Social Security Administration and with Health and Human Services in Boston; in more recent years she has worked as a real estate agent in the Greater Lowell Area.

Scope and Contents: Interview conducted by local historian Mehmed Ali; focuses on Priscilla (Aguiar) Hilliard’s Portuguese family and relatives; growing up in Lowell’s predominately Portuguese “Back Central” neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s; Portuguese food and culture in Lowell; religious activities at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Back Central; small, family-run businesses (hair salon and bakery in Lowell); and Ms. Hilliard’s educational background and career.