The Massachusetts Historical Society began publishing books in 1792 and is one of the oldest, continually operating publishers in the United States. The categories below provide an overview of the work made available by the MHS, including printed books, electronic publications, and a newsletter and scholarly journal.
As part of its mission, the MHS maintains its own publishing program and hosts the offices of the Adams Papers Editorial Project. Follow the links below to find more information about these resources.
The MHS publishes works that provide information about and make available the content of some of its most significant collections and the people who created them.
With essays by Peter S. Onuf, Andrea Wulf, and Henry Adams
One of U.S. history’s most eminent figures, Thomas Jefferson is as elusive as he is revered. The Private Jefferson opens a window onto the third president’s inner life by digging into the single largest cache of Thomas Jefferson’s private papers, held at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Generously illustrated with over 100 full-color reproductions of architectural drawings, letters, and other manuscripts.
Read more about The Private Jefferson.
The Adams Papers project was founded in 1954 to prepare a comprehensive published edition of the manuscripts written and received by the family of John Adams of Quincy, Massachusetts.
Available in print or digital format, the Massachusetts Historical Review (MHR) publishes essays, photo-essays, historical documents, and review articles each autumn. Every issue offers pieces rich in narrative grace and thoughtful analysis, prepared for all readers interested in the history of the Commonwealth, from its settlement to the 21st century.
The MHS issues the Miscellany, its newsletter, twice a year, and distributes it to the Society's Members and Fellows. Find out more.
The History and Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society Tour is a 90-minute docent-led walk through our public rooms. The tour is free, open to the public, ...
The History and Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society Tour is a 90-minute docent-led walk through our public rooms. The tour is free, open to the public, ...
The Liberator’s Legacy explores popular memory of William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and their fellow abolitionists in the decades following the Civil ...
On August 15, 1824, the General Marquis de Lafayette, one of the great heroes of the American Revolution, returned to the United States for the first time in forty years, kicking off a nearly thirteen ...
The only things on the calendar for the week ahead are a full teacher workshop and a free tour: - Wednesday, 9 August, 9:00AM : Participants in "Food in American History" - a three-day workshop, ...
