Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: Exploring Multiple Perspectives on the Eve of Revolution in MA

Massachusetts played a crucial role in the American Revolution, and most students are familiar with its key players: John and Abigail Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and others. But how did ordinary people in Massachusetts experience this period of mounting conflict? How did they negotiate shifting power dynamics catalyzed by British occupation? What were their daily concerns, priorities, and fears? In this workshop, we will discuss how to guide students through primary-source-based inquiry to discover how people from all walks of life experienced this tumultuous period in history. Highlights include complaints and depositions from Boston’s night watchmen, accounts from witnesses to the siege of Boston, and court testimony given during the Boston Massacre trials.

This virtual workshop for educators will be held virtually in two part-day sessions, with an optional discussion group to follow:

Monday, August 9th 8:30-11:00 AM
Friday, August 13th 8:30-11:00 AM
Friday, August 13th Discussion Group 12:30-1:30 PM

This program is open to all who work with K-12 students. Teachers can earn 22.5 PDPs or 1 graduate credit with Worcester State University (for an additional fee). The $25 registration fee is non-refundable.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us at education@masshist.org.