MHS Statement on Racism and Violence

The Massachusetts Historical Society joins the nation in condemning racism, hate, bigotry, and the violence borne of those views as evident in the recent actions in Charlottesville, Virginia. The MHS celebrates the American values of inclusion and diversity and will not tolerate individuals or groups who incite fear and hate based on factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

We reaffirm our commitment as a center of research and learning dedicated to a deeper understanding of the American experience. The MHS will provide a forum for debate for difficult conversations on complicated topics. However, racism, intolerance, and hatred are never acceptable at the MHS.

Through our collections, scholarly pursuits, and public programs, we seek to nurture a greater appreciation for American history and for the ideas, values, successes, and failures that bind us together as a nation. We strive to enhance the understanding of our nation’s past and its connection to the present by demonstrating that history is not just a series of events that happened to individuals long ago but is integral to the fabric of our daily lives.