Massachusetts Historical Society

Image of the MHS reading room with researchers sitting at desks. MHS staff librarians patrol the room, assisting researchers as needed.

Research fellowship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open! Join our scholarly community and enrich your historical scholarship at the MHS. Apply now: masshistfellowships.slideroom.com?fbclid=IwY2x...

Image of a large iron lung in an exhibit at the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation.

On the latest bonus episode of The Object of History podcast, we visit the Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation and learn about some of the museum’s most significant items related to the history of medicine. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

Historians and their Histories podcast graphic for Episode 22. The top part of the graphic includes the Historians and Their Histories logo, and underneath reads: "Episode 22: Witchcraft Monuments and Public Memory with Alaina Scapicchio." To the right, is a headshot of Alaina Scapicchio looking at the camera.

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Alaina Scapicchio discusses her research into the public memory of the American witchcraft trials, focusing specifically on monuments, memorials, and other forms of commemoration. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Collage of five different images from the MHS collection. On the left is a man breaking free of chains, a woman looking to the left, a picture of a young boy and girl sitting for a portrait, an image of Phillis Wheatley, and Frederick Douglass.

Join us on Nov. 20 for our upcoming seminar, ""A Fascinating Parallel": African American Responses to the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Movement." Author James Cooke with comments by Sarah Azaransky. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

Image of a monument on the Boston Common, engraved with an image of a football. Above the monument is text reading, "What's the true story behind this monument on Boston Common?"

Join us for a conversation about football, monuments and memory on Nov. 18. Authors Kevin Tallec Marston and Mike Cronin of “Inventing the Boston Game” will take on sports, myths, and Boston Brahmins in conversation with @louisathomas.bsky.social. Register here: www.masshist.org/events/inven...

Image of signatures and coordinates on various sheets of parchment.

Join us on Nov. 14 for our upcoming seminar, "Analyzing Networks Through Pension Claims: African American Women's Community Making at the Turn of the Twentieth Century." Author Halima Haruna with comments by @alkleintop.bsky.social Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

"Historians and Their Histories" promotional graphic. The Historians and Their Histories logo is next to a head shot of Donald F. Johnson, smiling at the camera. Below, the text reads, "Episode 21: Popular Politics and the American Revolution on the Local Level with Donald F. Johnson."

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Donald F. Johnson discusses his research on the experience of the American Revolution in local communities throughout North America. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Join us on Oct. 30 for our upcoming seminar, "Breastfeeding and Public Health: How the 1970s and 1980s Reframed Infant Feeding." Author Emily Skidmore with comments by Jessica Matrucci. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

Join us on Oct. 28 for our upcoming seminar, "Inventing "Highway Hypnosis": Billboard Advertisements, Driving Simulators, and the Politics of Attention on the Interstate Highway." Author Jonathan MacDonald with comments by Catherine Gudis. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

"Historians and Their Histories" promotional graphic. The Historians and Their Histories logo is next to a head shot of Thomas Lecaque, smiling at the camera. Below, the text reads, "Episode 20: Holy War Rhetoric in Colonial America with Thomas Lecaque."

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Thomas Lecaque tells us about his current book project on holy war rhetoric in colonial America. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Join us on Oct. 15 for our next seminar on the American Revolution, "Lineage: Genealogy & The Power of Connection in Early America." Author @kawulf.bsky.social in conversation with Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve....

Join us on Oct. 14 for our next seminar on early American history, "Colonial North America in the 17th Century — A Panel Discussion." Authors Nathan Braccio and Elizabeth Hines, with comments by Tim McGregor. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve....

Historians & Their Histories Podcast Graphic. The podcast logo is next to the headshot of Laura Clerx at the top of the graphic. Below is text reading: "Episode 19: Science and Commerce in Early America with Laura Clerx."

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Laura Clerx discusses her research into the connections between scientific inquiry and commercial enterprise in the post-revolutionary United States. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Join us on Oct. 9 for our upcoming seminar on environmental history, "Cultivating Legitimacy: Soldiers, Civilians, and Environment in the Revolutionary Hudson Valley." Author Blake McGready with comments by @mkn.bsky.social. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve....

Join us on Oct. 7 for our next seminar on modern America, "Crisis Politics and Everyday Life in "Middletown."" Authors @patcollier.bsky.social & James J. Connolly, with comments by @thomassdavis.bsky.social. Register: www.masshist.org/eve...

We have a full line-up of seminars this fall! These sessions bring together scholars and the public to workshop a paper. All are encouraged to discuss the topic, ask questions, & provide feedback. Open to all to join, whether in person or virtual.
Upcoming seminars: www.masshist.org/events/serie...

So glad to hear this!

Text reads We're Hiring over photo of Massachusetts Historical Society sign

We're hiring! The MHS is seeking a full time Director of Engagement to develop and implement a stimulating and audience-building roster of programs and events that respond to the moment, spotlight thought leaders, and amplify the Society’s mission.

Full posting: www.masshist.org/admin/upload...

MHS News: After 47 years of service to the MHS, Chief Historian Peter Drummey has announced his retirement starting Nov. 15. At that time, Dr. Kanisorn Wongsrichanalai, the Society’s director of research, will assume the role of Peter Drummey Chief Historian.
www.masshist.org/press/PeterD...

Image of the Mount Auburn cemetery in black and white.

In a new bonus episode of The Object of History podcast, we learn more about the history of Mount Auburn Cemetery by speaking with Meg Winslow, Senior Curator of Historical Collections & Archives.

Listen on your favorite streaming platform or on our website: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

Image of Manisha Sinha for Historians and Their Histories podcast. At the top is the Historians and Their Histories logo, next to the head shot of Manisha Sinha. The title of the podcast underneath is "Episode 18, The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic with Manisha Sinha."

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Manisha Sinha discusses her latest publication, "The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction, 1860-1920." Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Graphic for "From Pinatas to Policy: Women, Cultural Diplomacy & Pan-American Dreams of a Latine Boston." The event will be September 18, 6-7 PM, and will be hosted both online and in person. The graphic background depicts three women holding a variety of small flags arranged into a centerpiece.

Join us on September 18 from 6-7 PM for a conversation that uncovers lesser-known histories of Boston’s Latine community! How have women continued to share Latine culture with new generations and the community at large in Boston? Register here: www.masshist.org/events/from-...

Graphic says "Graduate Student Reception, September 17, 2025, 2:00-4:00 PM ET, Hybrid." Underneath is a photo of a room full of wooden tables with wooden walls. Men sit at two of the tables doing research.

Graduate students & faculty: Join us on September 17 for our Graduate Student Reception! Enjoy free refreshments and learn about the resources we offer to support your scholarship, from research fellowships to our seminars. Virtual attendees also welcome.

Register: www.masshist.org/events/gradu...

Fans Of 'Hamilton' Can Check Out His Real-Life Artifacts in Boston | WBZ NewsRadio 1030 The Massachusetts Historical Society is highlighting their collection of Alexander Hamilton artifacts this week, as the Broadway musical hits theaters to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

“Hamilton: An American Musical” is coming to theaters today! To celebrate, we brought out some Hamilton objects from our collection for a short feature on @wbznewsradio.bsky.social.

Listen here: wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/fans...

Graphic reads "Historians & Their Histories, Episode 17. The Life of John Peters with Cornelia Dayton." To the right of the text is a headshot of Cornelia Dayton smiling at the camera while wearing a red scarf and a black jacket.

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Cornelia H. Dayton discusses her research into the life of John Peters, the husband of acclaimed poet Phillis Wheatley. Listen on podcast streaming services or on the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Transcription of letter from Hannah Winthrop to Mercy Otis Warren from August 17, 1775. The background of the graphic is an image of the letter. In front is a purple text box with the transcription of a excerpt, “I am charmed with the portrait you give of General Washington. Must not we expect success under the direction of so much goodness? But my heart bleeds for the people of Boston, my blood boils with resentment at the treatment they have met with from [General] Gage.”

Curious about female perspectives on the American Revolution? Our collection of letters between Hannah Winthrop and Mercy Otis Warren is an excellent resource! Spanning 30 years of friendship, their intimate correspondence provides a remarkable window into the past. www.masshist.org/features/war...

Graphic reads "Historians & Their Histories. Episode 16. Local Leaders and the Development of America’s Political Economy with Elliot Warren." Headshot of man wearing gray suit to right.

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Elliot Warren discusses his research on the influence of local governments on the understanding of republicanism and capitalism in the late 18th century. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Sepia photograph of horse-drawn streetcar parked outside of church

In a new bonus episode of "The Object of History" podcast, we’ll dive deeper into the history of Boston's Back Bay and take a walking tour of the neighborhood.

Listen on your favorite streaming platform or on our website: www.masshist.org/.../season-4...

Looking for a real-life historical romance? During the Siege of Boston, a daughter in a loyalist family maintained a secret correspondence with the legal officer of George Washington. Our blog shares more about these letters between Delia Jarvis and William Tudor: www.masshist.org/beehiveblog/...

Would you follow a Bluesky account for the line-a-day diary entries of John Quincy Adams?

1️⃣ Yes
🅱️ No

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