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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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-...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

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...

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/...

In 2009 we started posting entries from John Quincy Adams's line-a-day diary on Twitter. 16 years later, we haven't missed a day! Now we want to know: would you like to see JQA on Bluesky too? Take our poll below! Read more about this remarkable diary & August 1825: www.masshist.org/object-of-th...

On the latest episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Adam Laats discusses the complicated history of the American public school system and what it can tell us about the state of public education today. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

‪On the latest episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Andy Colpitts tells us about Old Home Days, an ongoing festival tradition in New England established at the turn of the 20th century. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Join us on July 23 as Zara Anishanslin (@DrZara) speaks about her new book, “Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists who Championed the Revolution," which charts the intertwined lives of three artists who dared to defy the British monarchy. Register here: www.masshist.org/events/the-p...

On the latest episode of the Object of History podcast, we take a tour of the MHS plot at the Fenway Victory Gardens, the oldest continuously operating victory gardens in their original location in the United States. Listen now: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

On the latest episode of the Object of History podcast, we visit Boston’s Museum of African American History to learn about the imposing stone used by William Lloyd Garrison to create the abolitionist newspaper, "The Liberator." Listen now: www.masshist.org/podcast/seas...

On the latest episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Emily Whitted discusses the practice of mending and repair work on various textiles throughout 18th century America. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

On the latest episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Jacqueline Musacchio discusses her latest publication on a community of female artists living in 19th century Italy, notably Francesca Alexander. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Calling all K-12 educators! The Massachusetts Historical Society and the Concord Museum are offering a teacher workshop July 22 & 23: “Whose Revolution? Multiple Narratives of the American Revolution and its Legacies in Massachusetts.” More information: www.masshist.org/events/whose...

Join us for "Revolutionary Kinship: Sustaining Family Through Wartime Divisions" to explore the many meanings of family during the American Revolution. Featuring a panel discussion between @kawulf.bsky.social and Jaimie Crumley, moderated by Lisa Wilson. Register: www.masshist.org/events/Revol...

Applications are due June 30 for the Early Career Scholars Committee & Mentorship Program of the Massachusetts Historical Society. The committee is entirely virtual, and cohort members can be based anywhere! Click here to learn more and apply: masshistfellowships.slideroom.com#/login/progr...

On the latest episode of "Historians & Their Histories," Wulfstan Scouller tells us about his research on the economic and social history of King Philip's War. Listen on podcast streaming services or the MHS website: www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...