Stay engaged with the MHS this year.

“If we rise higher, we find the sun and moon to a very great degree influencing us. Tides are produced in the ocean, Clouds in the Atmosphere, all nature is made to flourish and look gay by these enlivening and invigorating Luminaries. Yea Life and Chearfulness is diffused to all the other Planets, as well as ours, upon the sprightly Sunbeams. No doubt There is as great a multitude and variety of Bodies upon each Planet in proportion to its magnitude, as there is upon ours. These Bodies are connected with and influenced by each other. Thus we see the amazing harmony of our Solar System.”
A Sun Gauge in the papers of Thomas Jefferson

There were many tools in the 1700’s to measure and predict weather. This sun gauge was in the Thomas Jefferson papers donated to the MHS. Although it is noted that Jefferson did not make this sun gauge, he probably used it at Monticello to delineate the path of the sun.

Sun gauges have a practical use for planting and gardening. Although this sun gauge may have been for a larger scale model and used with a globe, most were used to see where the sun tracked in planting areas throughout the day, months and years to predict the best places to lay plantings.

The MHS’s upcoming programs will be virtual, in-person, or a hybrid of the two. Please check the website frequently. If you register for an event, please check your e-mail for updates before attending the program.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: Exploring Multiple Perspectives on the Eve of the Revolution in MA, a K–12 Educator Workshop
On Monday, 9 August, and Friday, 13 August, the Center for the Teaching of History presents Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: Exploring Multiple Perspectives on the Eve of the Revolution in MA, a K–12 educator workshop.

Massachusetts played a crucial role in the American Revolution, and most students are familiar with its key players: John and Abigail Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and others. But how did ordinary people in Massachusetts experience this period of mounting conflict? How did they negotiate shifting power dynamics catalyzed by British occupation? What were their daily concerns, priorities, and fears?

In this workshop, we will discuss how to guide students through primary-source-based inquiry to discover how people from all walks of life experienced this tumultuous revolutionary period in history. Highlights include complaints and depositions from Boston’s night watchmen, accounts from witnesses to the siege of Boston, and court testimony given by eyewitnesses to the event, during the Boston Massacre trials.

This workshop for educators will be held virtually in two part-day sessions, with an optional discussion group to follow:

Monday, 9 August, 8:30–11:00 AM
Friday, 13 August, 8:30–11:00 AM
Friday, 13 August, discussion group, 12:30–1:30 PM

This program is open to all who work with K–12 students. Teachers can earn 22.5 PDPs or 1 graduate credit with Worcester State University (for an additional fee). There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee.

Register for this workshop here. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Interested in Viewing Past Programs?
If you missed a program or would like to revisit the material presented, please visit www.masshist.org/video or our YouTube channel. A selection of past programs is just a click away.
Share Your COVID-19 Experience(s)

The MHS invites you to contribute your COVID-19 experience(s) to our collection. Record your experiences on a daily, weekly, or intermittent basis. You can contribute your thoughts and images online. Visit our COVID-19 web display to learn more and to share your thoughts. Or you can keep a journal and donate it to the MHS. Contact [email protected] for more information.  
 
Thank you to everyone who has shared so far. If you have not yet done so or would like to contribute again, please visit www.masshist.org/projects/covid/index.php. You can also read what others have shared.

Our Members are the heart of the MHS community and an integral part of the MHS story. Become a Member to help make possible the Society’s mission to promote the study of American history. Receive benefits including invitations to enhanced Member-only events; free or discounted admission to special programs; and access to publications such as our calendar of events, newsletter, and Annual Report.
Learn more at www.masshist.org/members.