Events

Teacher Workshop, Jefferson Series

Adams, Jefferson, and Shakespeare


Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Registration required at a cost

Commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death by investigating his influence on America’s Founding Mothers and Fathers. John and Abigail Adams sprinkled their letters to one another with quotes from the Bard, and Thomas Jefferson owned numerous volumes of Shakespeare’s work. This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to Adams and Jefferson documents in the Society’s collection, and explore Shakespeare’s themes of politics, power, and leadership through these eyes of these revolutionary men and women.

This program is open to educators and history enthusiasts. Educators can earn 22.5 PDPs or one graduate credit (for an additional fee).

Workshop Fee: $25 per person (to cover materials and lunch)

To Register / For more information: complete this registration form, or contact the education department at education@masshist.org or 617-646-0557.

Program Highlights

  • Discuss the Founders' understanding of Shakespeare and their use of his works in their own publications and correspondence with Adams Papers editors Hobson Woodward and Emily Ross.
  • View documents from the Adams Family Papers and the Coolidge Collection of Thomas Jefferson Manuscripts.
  • Preview and brainstorm suggestions for using Adams, Jefferson, and Shakespeare materials in history and English language arts projects.
  • Take a guided tour of the Society's new exhibition, The Private Jefferson.