Purchase your tickets to the Making History Gala today!
“Time wears insensibly enough, but when I take a jump of five years back, what a difference there does appear to be between things then and now—A difference in Mr. Brooks’ family, in our own, and in the world at large. These are matters for the Philosopher, for the moralist, who would turn the small incidents of life to account.”
A Photograph of Benjamin Sewall Blake Jumping

This stop-action photograph of Benjamin Sewall Blake jumping was taken by his father, Francis. The elder Blake was born in Needham, Mass., in 1850. In his early years, he was a scientist who worked on the US Coast Survey and Darien Exploring Expedition. Later in life he became an accomplished inventor—he was known as “Transmitter Blake” because of his work on the development of the telephone—and a skilled photographer. In the mid-1880s, Blake designed a distinctive shutter that allowed him to take photographs with very short exposure times.

MHS Library Set to Reopen on 7 September

Beginning 10:00 AM on 7 September 2021, the MHS library will reopen to the public for onsite research visits. Please note that research will be by appointment only and requests must be made by 2:00 PM on Thursday of the previous week. In our ongoing efforts to protect the health of staff and visitors amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all researchers must provide proof that they have received an FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccination(s) prior to their visit. As well, all visitors must wear a well-fitted mask covering the nose and mouth. Appointments can be made on our Appointment Request Form.

Learn more at www.masshist.org/library/visit. 
Please check the website frequently. If you register for an event, please check your e-mail for updates before attending the program.
On Tuesday, 21 September, at 5:15 PM, Cornelia Dayton, University of Connecticut, and additional panelists to be announced, present African American Lives in Federalist New England: Scouring the Archives, A Pauline Maier Early American History Seminar.

On Thursday, 23 September, at 6:00–7:00 PM, Nathaniel Philbrick presents Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy. Co-hosted by American Ancestors/NEHGS, the Boston Public Library, GBH Forum Network, the Massachusetts Historical Society, and Porter Square Books. To register visit AmericanAncestors.org/inspire.

On Thursday, 23 September, at 7:30 PM, Nathaniel Philbrick presents Writing History: An Extended Q&A with Nathaniel Philbrick. Co-hosted by American Ancestors/NEHGS, the Boston Public Library, GBH Forum Network, the Massachusetts Historical Society, and Porter Square Books. For MHS Members and Fellows only. Separate registration is required for this Zoom meeting following Philbrick’s 6–7pm virtual book talk. Ticket cost of $50 includes Q&A link (non-transferable) and personalized signed book shipped priority mail. 

On Monday, 27 September, at 5:30 PM, Debbie Weiss presents A Revolutionary Encounter in London, a historically-based play.

On Tuesday, 28 September, at 3:30 PM, the Research team at the MHS invites graduate students in history, American studies, and related fields to attend the Graduate Student Reception.

On Thursday, 30 September, at 5:30 PM, Charles R. Gallagher, S.J., Boston College, presents The Nazis of Copley Square: The Forgotten Story of the Christian Front.
Interested in Viewing Past Programs?
If you missed a program or would like to revisit the material presented, please visit www.masshist.org/video or our YouTube channel. A selection of past programs is just a click away.
Share Your COVID-19 Experience(s)

The MHS invites you to contribute your COVID-19 experience(s) to our collection. Record your experiences on a daily, weekly, or intermittent basis. You can contribute your thoughts and images online. Visit our COVID-19 web display to learn more and to share your thoughts. Or you can keep a journal and donate it to the MHS. Contact collections@masshist.org for more information.  
 
Thank you to everyone who has shared so far. If you have not yet done so or would like to contribute again, please visit www.masshist.org/projects/covid/index.php. You can also read what others have shared.

Our Members are the heart of the MHS community and an integral part of the MHS story. Become a Member to help make possible the Society’s mission to promote the study of American history. Receive benefits including invitations to enhanced Member-only events; free or discounted admission to special programs; and access to publications such as our calendar of events, newsletter, and Annual Report.
Learn more at www.masshist.org/members.
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