This post is the final  part of a series exploring the legacy of Crispus Attucks, the first victim of the Boston Massacre. These posts were written by students in the Master of Public History program at Northeastern University. Crispus Attucks was an enslaved man of African and Native American heritage about whom little is known, but his legacy has been important to successive generations of Americans. For more information about the life and legacy of Crispus Attucks, see First Martyr of Liberty: Crispus Attucks in American Memory by Mitch Kachun (Oxford University Press, 2017).

This post is part of a series exploring the legacy of Crispus Attucks, the first victim of the Boston Massacre. These posts were written by students in the Master of Public History program at Northeastern University. Crispus Attucks was an enslaved man of African and Native American heritage about whom little is known, but his legacy has been important to successive generations of Americans. For more information about the life and legacy of Crispus Attucks, see First Martyr of Liberty: Crispus Attucks in American Memory by Mitch Kachun (Oxford University Press, 2017).

This post is part of a series exploring the legacy of Crispus Attucks, the first victim of the Boston Massacre. These posts were written by students in the Master of Public History program at Northeastern University. Crispus Attucks was an enslaved man of African and Native American heritage about whom little is known, but his legacy has been important to successive generations of Americans. For more information about the life and legacy of Crispus Attucks, see First Martyr of Liberty: Crispus Attucks in American Memory by Mitch Kachun (Oxford University Press, 2017).

This post is part of a series exploring the legacy of Crispus Attucks, the first victim of the Boston Massacre. These posts were written by students in the Master of Public History program at Northeastern University. Crispus Attucks was an enslaved man of African and Native American heritage about whom little is known, but his legacy has been important to successive generations of Americans

This post is part of a series exploring the legacy of Crispus Attucks, the first victim of the Boston Massacre. These posts were written by students in the Master of Public History program at Northeastern University. Crispus Attucks was an enslaved man of African and Native American heritage about whom little is known, but his legacy has been important to successive generations of Americans

After more than 68 hours of research, patterning, cutting, and sewing, the replica of John Hancock’s velvet coat is finished and has been installed in the exhibit on the first floor of the Old State House.

As part of the process of launching a new Revolutionary Character, a large amount of detailed research is conducted. In this post, Education Associate Robin Donovan highlights a question about the life of Mercy Otis Warren to which we may never find an answer.

From a famous family of revolutionary firebrands, Mercy Otis Warren made her own mark on history with her pen. Education Associate Robin Donovan explores her story in preparation for Revolutionary Characters Live!

When most people think of John Hancock, the image of his famous signature on the Declaration of Independence comes to mind. Many people know very little about his exact participation in the American Revolution and the details of his life

Faneuil Hall is closing its doors for maintenance this winter. As stewards of the Old State House, we at the Bostonian Society are well aware that the preservation of Boston’s historic buildings requires constant effort. Faneuil Hall’s current closure gave us the chance to explore previous renovations to the building and take a closer look at three lottery tickets in our archives linked to a 1760s renovation.

Education Associate Jennifer Guerin explores the history of a small copper saucepan that has connections to Benjamin Franklin and his sister Jane Mecom.

Last week we welcomed Henry Cooke back to the galleries, this time in the guise of an 18th century tailor, to work on sewing parts of the replica of John Hancock's red velvet inaugural coat.

Whenever something goes missing or falls off the wall or shelf in the Old State House, the staff like to blame it on the ghost of James Otis, Jr. In honor of Halloween and our favorite ghost story, we'd like to share the life story of James Otis Jr., before he became a spectral troublemaker.

Visitors to the second floor Hands on History rooms at the Old State House will find a new display among the timelines and reproduction clock. Our Hands on History Board is all about colonial food this fall, and we’d like to share a “taste” of this history with our blog readers.

A new case has been installed in the second floor rotunda of the Old State House, focusing on drinking, at home and on the town, in 18th century Boston. Here, Collections Intern Leigh explores one of the objects in greater detail.