Massachusetts Historical Society facts for kids
|
Massachusetts Historical Society Building
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1154 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Built | 1899 |
| Architect | Edmund M. Wheelwright |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| Website | masshist.org |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000770 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 21, 1965 |
The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) is a very old and important place. It keeps many historical items about early American, Massachusetts, and New England history. It was started in 1791 in Boston, Massachusetts. This makes it the oldest historical society in the United States! Its building was built in 1899. It became a special historic place in 1966 and a Boston Landmark in 2016.
How It Started
The society began on January 24, 1791. It was founded by Reverend Jeremy Belknap. His goal was to gather, protect, and record items from American history. He and nine other founding members gave their family papers, books, and artifacts. These gifts formed the first collection.
In 1792, the society published its first manuscript. This was the first historical society publication in the United States. The society officially became a corporation in 1794. Many important people signed the papers.
For many years, the Massachusetts Historical Society was the only historical collection in the U.S. Later, other societies started, like the New-York Historical Society (1804). After that, the MHS began to focus more on Boston and New England history. In 1849, Frances Manwaring Caulkins became the first woman to be chosen as a member.
The society met in different places over the years. They were in Faneuil Hall's attic for a while. Then they moved to Hamilton Place and Franklin Street. In 1833, they moved to Tremont Street. The society's current building in the Back Bay was built in 1899. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965. This was to honor its special work in saving history.
What They Collect
Today, the society still collects, protects, and shares history. It focuses on Massachusetts and the United States. It has five main parts: Library, Publications, Education and Public Programs, Research Programs, the Adams Family Papers, and Administration.
Here are some of their major collections:
- Adams Family Papers (1639–1889) - This collection has items from President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams. It also includes papers from other family members. These include President John Quincy Adams and First Lady Louisa Catherine Adams. The collection has letters, diaries, writings, and legal papers. It even has John Adams' own copy of the Declaration of Independence.
- Thomas Jefferson Papers - The library has Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence. It also has the Coolidge Collection. This collection has thousands of pages of Jefferson's letters and writings. It includes records from Monticello and over 400 of his architectural drawings.
- Other Manuscripts and Printed Texts - They have about 12,000 biographies and over 10,000 local history books. They also have old newspapers and posters. This includes John Dunlap's 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence. Other important papers include John Winthrop's writings on early New England. They also have Paul Revere's story of his famous ride.
- Artwork - The society has paintings by famous artists like John Singleton Copley and Sarah Goodridge. They also have sculptures by artists such as Thomas Ball and Hiram Powers.
The society still creates scholarly books. They also share digital versions online. The Massachusetts Historical Review has been published every year since 1999.
Important Members
The "fellows" of the Massachusetts Historical Society are chosen members. They act as the society's official leaders. Many famous people have been fellows, including:
|
See also
