SHARE:  

“4 pd Sparhawk for a thermometer £3 - 15


pd for 7 pr women’s gloves 27/


gave in charity 1/6”

—Thomas Jefferson, Memorandum Book, page 11, 4 July 1776

Thomas Jefferson’s Fourth of July

Thomas Jefferson did not realize July 4, 1776, would become the “day of days.” On that date, he recorded shopping for a thermometer and gloves and giving to charity.


View the page, and the engraving up close.

Upcoming Events

CONFERENCE

Thursday, 11 July | 3:00–5:45 PM and Friday, 12 July | 9:00 AM–4:15 PM

Conrad E. Wright Research Conference on Citizenship


Register to attend Day 1 online. Please note that Day 1 in-person registration is sold out.


Register to attend Day 2 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.

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.

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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