Massachusetts Historical Society: Welcome!

Who We Are

Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is an independent research library and an invaluable resource for American history, life, and culture.

Collection Highlights

"...started again in the morning although it was raining quite hard."

In a letter to his mother Private Daniel H. Spofford describes the futility and frustration of the Army of the Potomac's "Mud March." More »

Exhibitions Opening in January

Two exhibitions opening in January commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation: Forever Free features the pen Lincoln used to sign the document and Lincoln in Manuscript & Artifact includes a letter Lincoln wrote explaining his evolving views on slavery.
Special gallery talk on 1 January 2013 at 2 PM.

"Let all your voices, like merry bells, join loud and clear in the grand chorus of liberty:" Emancipation Proclaimed on New Year's Day 1863

Brigadier General Saxton encourages the African American population of the area under Union control in South Carolina to assemble to hear the Emancipation Proclamation read. More »

Building Closed: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, 21 January 2013