Join the 17th Century
Explore the story of early Boston, Massachusetts, and the wider 17TH century world
Here we go!
“That was REALLY GOOD!”
That’s what one of you told us after a lecture in last year’s series, Tyranny vs Liberty: Politics in 17th Century New England. “Personally, I cannot thank you enough for these lectures,” another told us. “This presentation was more than fascinating - it shifted my understanding,” said a third. “Outstanding!” wrote yet another. We’re glad you liked it!
Thanks, above all, to the superb presenters who spoke to you, from Aquinnah Wampanoag author and historian Linda Coombs to Harvard historian David Hall and award-winning historian Margaret Newell. You’ll meet some of them again as we roll out our program for 2025.
And thanks to those of you who donated and made our public events free and open to all.
For 2025, other than thinking we might have to revisit the question of tyranny or liberty (just joking - or perhaps not, given the news), we’ve got our sights on a few great topics, from the world of wonders of early New England to enslavement in the idealised village of Sudbury.
Join us, too, to explore the roots of the American Revolution. Who knew that protests against taxation without representation would land 17th century puritans in jail, in fear for their lives? And that, from the outset, the puritans fought tooth and nail to retain self-governance free from the royal rule? Historians Adrian Weimer and Francis J. Bremer look at the origins of 1776.
Find out about all these topics and more - join us!
The 17th century was a world of wonders, where God and the Devil were responsible for events large and small. Enter into this universe of providential thinking with historian David Hall to understand the very different mental universe of the past. Wellcome Collection
Events
wonders, portents and providences
David D. Hall
ONLINE, THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025, 7-8:30PM ET
Flying devils, “monsters” born to unruly women, babies prophesying from their cradles - welcome to the mental world of 17th century New England. Renowned Harvard historian David Hall takes into the side of early life we rarely explore: the way that people understood and explained the events of their lives and communities as God’s - and the Devil’s - providences and acts. Not to be missed!
“It really hit home that this is why history is so critical.”
participant, reading group
Change the flag and Seal!
After 82 towns voted yes, a special state commission explored its history and meaning, and campaigners worked for years, governor Maura Healey signed a bill in July 2024 authorising the creation, over a period of a year, of a new flag and seal for Massachusetts - one that will represent, not domination over Indigenous people, but respect for all its citizens. The campaign’s David Detmold reports.
what were they thinking?
At the top of the shopping list was a simple word: “ministers". Thus the priority for the Puritan colonists preparing to leave England for their new world. First Church in Boston was precisely that - the first church, founded on arrival. What does this legacy mean today? The Rev. Dr. Stephanie May, minister of First Church Boston, offers this eloquent sermon on the anniversary of the naming of Boston as a colonial city.
This American Jezebel
Was she a self-righteous destroyer of Puritan polity and society? Or a dissenter paving the way for later struggles for freedom of speech and religion? Nearly 400 years after Anne Hutchinson’s trial and banishment, award-winning author Eve LaPlante speaks about the controversy surrounding Puritan Massachusetts’ most outspoken woman. Watch Eve’s November lecture to find out more.
