Popular accounts of the American Revolution often emphasize the contributions of New England. When they invoke the region, they frequently mean Massachusetts, more specifically Boston, and often a set of fifteen to twenty men in particular—occasionally narrowed down simply to two Adamses, a Hancock, perhaps an Otis and Cushing, and maybe a Benjamin Edes or Paul Revere. This course will expand that perspective. New England encompassed a broad geography and range of experiences during the second half of the eighteenth century.

In this virtual program based on her new book, Schooling the Nation: The Success of the Canterbury Academy for Black Women (2025), Jennifer Rycenga, in conversation with Scott Casper, tells the story of a high school that became the most advanced form of higher education open to women of any race before it was forced to close because of white opposition.  Located in Canterbury, Connecticut, the Canterbury Academy was established in 1833 by white teacher Prudence Crandall for "young Ladies and little Misses of color."  Local white anger tried to prevent, and later

Held both in person and virtually, this symposium will highlight recent scholarship on Isaiah Thomas  (1749-1831), founder of the American Antiquarian Society.  Speakers will share new insights on Thomas, as printer of The Massachusetts Spy, publisher, and antiquarian. The program commemorates 250 years since Thomas brought his printing press and newspaper to Worcester on April 16, 1775. Printed materials and artifacts associated with his life and work will be on view in Antiquarian Hall.  Registration is free and open to the public.

In this video conversation, Vincent Golden, curator of newspapers and periodicals at the American Antiquarian Society, talks about how colonial American printers gathered, printed, and distributed the news. Prepared for The News Media and the Making of America, 1730-1800, the 2021 Teacher Institute held at AAS.