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“I went to the Theatre. The Marriage of Figaro. The Countess by Miss Cushman. This is her debut. She is a young girl just brought forward to try her chance.... On the whole she succeeded better than could be expected. Her voice is good though not firm in the middle notes.”

—Diary of Charles Francis Adams, 8 April 1835

Charlotte Cushman, Cross-Dressing Bostonian Actress

Bostonian Charlotte Cushman (1816–1876) became famous for playing male characters, particularly “her great character of Romeo,” first played opposite her sister Susan as Juliet. Opportunities for playful and professional gender-crossing provided a socially sanctioned way to exist in a liminal space where allowances were made for gender identity differences and same-sex attractions. Cushman, for example, lived openly in romantic relationships with a number of women during her lifetime. For the fans who flocked to her performances, these relationships were accepted as an aspect of her celebrity.


Learn more about cross-dressing in theater.

Upcoming Events

PROGRAM

Thursday, 20 June | 3:00 PM

Boston School Desegregation and Busing 50th Anniversary of Tallulah Morgan v. James Hennigan (1974)


Register to attend in person.

TEACHER WORKSHOP

Saturday, 13 July | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Citizenship & Belonging in US History


Register to attend in person.

See full calendar.

Upcoming Conference

Conrad E. Wright Research Conference on Citizenship

11–13 July 2024

 

The centennials of 1924’s Indian Citizenship Act and Immigration Act offer an opportunity to explore the intersection of two subjects that have not always been considered together. The conference brings together scholars to explore the broad themes associated with citizenship and other variations of national belonging reflected in the two pieces of landmark legislation.

 

The conference and workshop will take place at the MHS and Suffolk University. Registration is open. Learn more at www.masshist.org/research/conferences

On View

Boston Views: Through the Lens of Arthur A. Shurcliff


Arthur A. Shurcliff (1870–1957), a landscape architect, created a collection of 1,295 glass lantern slides that depict cityscapes and buildings in Boston and other locations during the first decades of the 20th century. View a selection of Boston views reproduced at large scale and learn more about Shurcliff.


Learn more about the collection of glass lantern slides by reading this blog post. Visit our hours and admissions page for gallery hours.

Looking for More?

Registration and Events

 

Visit www.masshist.org/events for more information and to register.


Interested in Past Programs?

 

If you missed a program or would like to revisit the material presented, please visit www.masshist.org/video.


Click below to view the video, A Civil Right: 20 Years of Marriage Equality in Massachusetts, with The Hon. Margaret Marshall, former Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Nancy Cott, Harvard University, and Mary Bonauto, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), in conversation with Catherine Allgor, MHS President. Enjoy more videos by subscribing to the MHS YouTube channel after you view the video.

The MHS Library


An advance appointment is strongly encouraged. Please log in to your Portal1791 account to select your preferred visit dates.

 

Set up an appointment via Zoom or live chat with a member of our reference staff. 

 

Learn more at www.masshist.org/library.

The MHS Fund and Membership

Our Members make it possible for us to offer an array of complimentary services including admission to our exhibition galleries and library, online access to our collections and digital editions, and onsite and remote reference services for all. Membership begins with a fully tax-deductible contribution of $250 or more to the MHS Fund. All Members enjoy a full year of social, cultural, and educational experiences, including invitations to our annual Holiday Party, FREE program registration, and Member Week perks. Learn more and join today!
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