By Dan Hinchen

The busy summer research season is in full swing here at the Society. If you don’t want to come in and use the reading room, though, here are some public programs you can take in this week:

– Tuesday, 12 July – Thursday, 14 July : Teaching Three Centuries of History through MHS Collections is a three-day teacher workshop taking place here at the MHS. Participants will engage with items in the collections, learn from guest historians, and investigate different methods for using primary sources in the classroom. Educators in grades 5-12 are welcome to apply. For more information, including application instructions, contact education@masshist.org or call 617-646-0557. 

– Wednesday, 13 July, 12:00PM : Join us for a Brown Bag talk titled “The Great Peace of 1670 and the Forgotten Corner of the Iroquios Confederacy’s Eastern Door.” Evan Haefeli of Texas A&M University examines the origins of the treaty int he war against the Iroquois and the previously overlooked alliance between the Hudson Valley and New England Algonquians int he 1660s. This talk is free and open to the public. 

– Wednesday, 13 July, 6:00PM : Author Larry Tye peels away layers of myth and misconception to paint a complete portrait of a singularly fascinating figure in Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon. Come in on Wednesday evening for a talk with the author. This event is open to the public, though registration is required with a fee of $20 (no charge for MHS Fellows or Members). A pre-talk reception begins at 5:30PM and the talk commences at 6:00PM. 

– Saturday, 16 July, 10:00AM : The History and Collections of the MHS is a 90-minute docent-led walk through our public rooms. The tour is free, open to the public, with no need for reservations. If you would like to bring a larger party (8 or more), please contact Curator of Art Anne Bentley at 617-646-0508 or abentley@masshist.org.

While you’re here you will also have the opportunity to view our current exhibition: Turning Points in American History.