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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The newest volume from the Adams Papers, Volume 23 of the “Papers of John Adams,” sheds light on the challenges John Adams faced in his presidency from March 1798 to June 1799. Read more in a blog post by series editor Sara Georgini: www.masshist.org/beehiveblog/...

Stack of books from the Adams Papers, Papers of John Adams volume 23 in front of a wooden wall at the Massachusetts Historical Society.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Lydia Burleson discusses her research into the Massachusetts state seal, tracing how its Indigenous imagery has persisted and shifted since the colony's 1629 charter. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Graphic promoting Historians & Their Histories podcast episode, The Sword and the Tomahawk: Rethinking the Massachusetts Seal with Lydia Burleson. Listen and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Megan Baker speaks about how the fragile and fashionable medium of pastel came to represent both people and ideas in the years surrounding the American Revolution. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Historians & Their Histories podcast, Portraits in Pastel: Art and Empire in Early America with Megan Baker. Listen and follow us on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Chloe Kauffman discusses her dissertation research on how young, unmarried women in the Anglo-Atlantic world acquired and shared knowledge about sexuality. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Rachel Wiedman speaks about her research on gender and political culture in the Civil War era and how Northerners used the language of manhood to praise and condemn their political representatives. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Episode 36 of Historians and Their Histories. At the top of the graphic is an image of Rachel Wiedman, smiling. Below, text reads, "Eulogies, Letters, and the Ideals of Northern Statesmanship with Rachel Wiedman."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Register for the Conrad E. Wright Research Conference on Reconstruction, taking place at the Massachusetts Historical Society & Suffolk University in Boston. June 25-26: Panels & Presentations June 27: Teacher workshop www.masshist.org/research/con... #skystorians

Historic black and white illustration of an eagle with American flag in its talons. Text says "Conrad E. Wright Research Conference, Reconstruction, Conference & Teacher Workshop, June 25-27, 2026"

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

‪ On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Prof. Christopher Willoughby discusses his research on racial science and medicine in antebellum America. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Historians and Their Histories Episode 35: John Collins Warren and the Roots of Medical Racial Science with Christopher Willoughby. "You cannot extricate medicine and science from the society in which it was created." --Christopher Willoughby.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Did the promises of the Declaration of Independence find their way into the Constitution? Join @emilysneff.bsky.social, @sarageorgini.bsky.social, and Mary Sarah Bilder as they discuss how how America’s founding documents are related. Register here: www.masshist.org/events/draft...

"Drafting Independence: Declaration to Constitution. Join us to discover connections between America’s founding documents. June 1 | 6:00–7:00 PM ET. Join us in person at the MHS or online."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Hear more about the life and work of politician Barney Frank in oral histories available in the MHS Digital Archive: masshs.access.preservica.com/uncategorize...

masshs.access.preservica.com

Barney Frank Oral History Interviews | Massachusetts Historical Society Digital Archive

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Join us on May 27 as David Hsiung and Joyce Chaplin discuss the intricate and often surprising ways in which the natural environment and the Revolutionary War were interconnected, from food and fuel to deforestation and shifting animal populations. Register here: www.masshist.org/events/curio...

Curious & Complex Connections: Environmental History & the War of Independence. Discover intriguing interconnections between the natural world and the Revolutionary War. May 27 | 6:00–7:00 PM ET. Join us in person at the MHS or online.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Chelsi Arellano discusses her research on the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and its ripple effects across the British Empire, with a particular focus on the Bostonian Revolt of 1689. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Image of Chelsi Arellano smiling at the camera. To the left is the title of the Historians and Their Histories episode, "From England to New England: The Glorious Revolution and the Boston Uprising with Chelsi Arellano."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Season 5, Episode 5 of the Object of History podcast is here! Learn about the American Invasion of Canada (1775-1776) and the failed attempt to make Québec the fourteenth colony in rebellion. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

Map of Quebec with Benedict Arnold portrait in front. The text reads, "America's failed attempt to make Quebec into the fourteenth colony. The Object of History podcast, Season 5, Episode 5, Making War III: Benedict Arnold and the Invasion of Canada."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Join us for a program on May 18 as @publiusorperish.bsky.social and @michaelhattem.bsky.social examine how disinformation and shifting ideologies influenced understanding of the American Revolution. Register: www.masshist.org/events/revol...

Graphic showing several objects from the MHS collection in a TV screen, with a TV remote in front. The text reads, "Revolutionary Narratives: From Broadsides to Hollywood. Join us as Jordan Taylor and Michael Hattem examine how understanding of the Revolutionary War has changed over time and reflect on how the public sees the nation's founding today. Monday, May 18 at 6-7 PM et."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Marcus Nevius reflects on the evolving scholarly understanding of marronage and the challenges of recovering maroon voices from the archives. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Call for Proposals extended! The MHS is accepting proposals for our 2026-2027 seminar series. Seminars provide the opportunity to workshop and discuss works in progress. Learn more: www.masshist.org/research/sem... Deadline: May 1

masshist.org

Massachusetts Historical Society: Seminars

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Peter Messer discusses his research on early American political culture, focusing on the local complexities of revolutionary-era events in Massachusetts. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Boone Ayala speak about his research on chartered corporations as instruments of imperial rule and the 1684 revocation of the Massachusetts Bay Company’s charter. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Season 5, Episode 3 of the Object of History podcast is here! Learn about the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, the colonists’ dire need for artillery to break the Siege of Boston, Henry Knox’s journey, and more. Listen now: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Amy Watson sits down with guest host Megan Kate Nelson to discuss what it meant to be a patriot in the 18th century and the long history of the American Revolution. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

We declare this exhibit now open! Check out WHDH Channel 7 News coverage for "1776: Declaring Independence" exhibit at the MHS, featuring an interview with @sarageorgini.bsky.social: whdh.com/news/declara...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

“1776: Declaring Independence” opens Friday, March 6, at the MHS! This new exhibit features rarely seen copies of the Declaration of Independence, an extraordinary Dunlap broadside, and more. Discover how the Declaration grew from draft to founding document. Learn more: www.masshist.org/exhibitions

Graphic of founding fathers discussing the Declaration of Independence. Words above read, "1776: Declaring Independence." Below reads, "Discover how Americans drafted a path to liberty. March 6 through December 19, 2026. Presented by the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Adams Presidential Library."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

On the new episode of Historians & Their Histories, Dr. Elizabeth Hines discusses her research into the relations between New England and New Netherland in the 17th century, which grew out of a broader project on Anglo-Dutch relations across the globe. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

POSTPONED: “Literary Exiles: New Lives of Jessica Mitford & James Baldwin." This seminar, originally scheduled for February 25, will be rescheduled to a future date. Stay tuned to the MHS event calendar for updates. www.masshist.org/eve...

Graphic reading the name of program, "Literary Exiles: New Lives of Jessica Mitford & James Baldwin." The top of the graphic reads, "Program Postponed." The bottom reads, "New date to be announced."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Season 5, Episode 2 of the Object of History podcast delves into the origins of smallpox inoculation, considers debates around inoculating Continental Army troops, and features the correspondence of John and Abigail Adams. Listen now: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

Image of two handwritten letters by John and Abigail Adams over a pamphlet title page reading, "Small Pox." Text boxes over the letters and title page read, "How did John and Abigail Adams respond to the threat of smallpox?" At the bottom is a footer reading, "The Object of History podcast, Season 5 episode, Episode 2. Season 5, Episode 2: The “King of Terrors”: Smallpox in the American Revolution."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

On Feb. 26, join us for an online program with Lorén Spears and Christine DeLucia centered around roles that Indigenous individuals and nations played in the American Revolution and the effects the war had on them. Register: www.masshist.org/events/indig...

Graphic promoting the Indigenous Identity, Diplomacy & Sovereignty in the American Revolution program at the MHS. At the top is the title program, then below are headshots of the the two speakers at the program. Below this, is text reading, "A program that centers the experiences of Indigenous individuals and nations during the American Revolution." Below this is text reading, "February 26, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET, Virtual event."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Dr. Blake Grindon examines the 1777 death of Jane McCrea during the British Saratoga campaign and how this event became a powerful propaganda tool in the American Revolution. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Last chance to register for tomorrow's hybrid program, "Whose Independence: Black Experiences during the American Revolution." Join us as panelists discuss the experiences of free and enslaved Black people during the American Revolution. Register here: www.masshist.org/events/whose...

Collage featuring various items from the MHS collection related to Black history in Boston, Mass.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Register today for “Remembering Fernald: Uncovering the Hidden History of Disability in Massachusetts,” a hybrid program with Alex Green, Harvard Kennedy School, on February 12, 6:00 PM ET. www.masshist.org/events/remem...

"Remembering Fernald: Uncovering the Hidden History of Disability in Massachusetts" program. Below is an image of author Alex Green next to a book cover. Below, text reads: Join us as Alex Green discusses what he uncovered in his book on the complicated legacy of Walter E. Fernald. February 12 | 6:00–7:00 PM ET In person at the MHS & online."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Dr. Ross Nedervelt explores why Bermuda and the Bahamas held strategic significance for the United States during the Age of the American Revolution. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Opening February 11! "The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement" exhibit at the Old State House, presented by Revolutionary Spaces and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Learn more here: revolutionaryspaces.org/explore/exhi...

Graphic promoting the exhibit, "The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement." At the bottom is a 1775 watercolor illustration of two soldiers pointing towards building, with water in the background.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," independent scholar and author Monique Hayes discusses her historical fiction novel which follows two Black brothers who take opposing paths during the American Revolution. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

K-12 educators, the MHS is offering two teacher workshops this winter: - Elizabeth Freeman & the End of Slavery in Massachusetts - Project-Based Learning in the Social Studies Classroom: An Introduction to National History Day in MA More details on our website: www.masshist.org/allevents?ca...

Graphic says "Teacher Workshops Winter 2026" Below is a painted portrait of a Black woman wearing white bonnet and a color photo of 2 girls working on a tri-fold project

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

The Object of History podcast’s new season is here! On this first episode, we ask several historians for their thoughts on why Boston helped light the spark of the American Revolution. @bplmaps.bsky.social Click here to listen: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

Map of Boston from 1775 with a question at the top: "Why did so many key events of the American Revolution happen in Boston?" Below, there are several text boxes in the shape of red ribbons with the words: "Population? Geography? Trade?" At the bottom, text within a white box reads: "Season 5, Episode 1: The Spark: How Boston Ignited the American Revolution." "The Object of History podcast."

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

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

Researcher looks at book in the MHS reading room.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Join us on Jan. 20 for our next African American History seminar, "'We Aren't Going to Close Up": The History of FCM in Humphreys County." Christina Thomas with comments by Rachel Devlin. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

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.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Join us on Jan. 15 for our next Early American History seminar, "Enemies: Treatment & Perception of the Defeated in the American Revolution—A Panel Discussion." Susan Brynne Long and Tanner Ogle with comments by Rebecca Brannon. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

Collage of five different images from the MHS collection. To the left is an image of soldiers shooting in a line, then an etching of a Native American person, then a painting of an older woman looking straight ahead, then an etching of Paul Revere riding his horse and pointing to the left, then an etching of Phillis Wheatley.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

Join us on Jan. 13 for our next Environmental History seminar, "Industrializing Olfaction: How Soapmakers Changed the Urban American Smellscape in the Late 19th Century & Early 20th Century." Shiqi Wang with comments by Melanie A. Kiechle. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

Collage of environmental history related images from the MHS collection.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Ethan Gonzales examines the "information ecosystem" of the 1790s and how the United States, as a young republic in a world of monarchies, faced a barrage of state-sponsored disinformation and rumors. Listen here: www.masshist.org/pod...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Join us on Jan. 8 for our next African American History seminar, "Identity & Social Movements in the Mid-to Late 20th Century—A Panel Discussion." Paul Michael Thomson and Jia Zhang with comments by Salamishah Tillet. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

The new "Historians & Their Histories" episode is the first to feature a live audience! Special guests Madeline DeDe Panken, C.R. Elliott, Arthur George Kimera Kamya, and Betsy Klima share their journeys to becoming historians. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

December 19th is the last day to see the exhibition “1775: Rebels, Rights & Revolution” before it closes! Explore major Massachusetts events in the first year of the American Revolution through letters, diary accounts, and artifacts from the MHS collection. www.masshist.org/exhibitions

Watercolor painting showing two British soldiers looking out over landscape of Boston in 1775

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

250 years ago, Henry Knox led a daring mission to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga back to Boston. He documented his journey in a diary that is one of the treasures of the MHS collection. View the diary in our current exhibit until Dec. 19 or read it online: www.masshist.org/database/463.

Handwritten diary in display case open to show entries

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Join us on Dec. 9 for our next Environmental History seminar, "'So Wide a Chase": Melvillian Whaling in the Twenty-First Century Caribbean." Author Russell Fielding with comments by Dan Lanier. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

The John Quincy Adams line-a-day diary is now on Bluesky! We're looking forward to what @jqadams-mhs.bsky.social has in store for the rest of 1825.

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

On the new episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Eric Totten discusses his research on the Federal Department of the South, focusing on New England regiments that carried conservative, anti-abolitionist, and nativist beliefs into the Civil War. Listen here: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Join us on Dec. 2 for "The Devil Unleashed: The Royal Navy in Boston, 1685–1687." Author Steven Pitt with comments by Stephen R. Berry. Register here: www.masshist.org/eve...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

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

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

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...

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

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

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...

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Massachusetts Historical Society @mhs1791.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

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...

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