Continuing with our regional focus,
today we share history about the
Nantucket–Boston Connection
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Photo:
Needlework picture of a lady fishing, 1765, Susan Colesworthy (1752–1811). Silk, wool, linen; 21 1/4 x 17 1/2 in. Bequest of Susan E. Brock.
1937.33.1.
This needlework picture is part of a group of similarly designed pastoral embroideries called "The Fishing Lady Pictures." Pastoral canvaswork pictures were fashionable in England throughout the first quarter of the 1700s, becoming part of the curriculum at Boston boarding schools during the mid-eighteenth century. The Colesworthy family were neighbors of Paul Revere, and Susan's father, Gilbert, took part in the Boston Tea Party. Around 1773, Susan and some of her family moved to Nantucket. A treasured family heirloom, the Fishing Lady needlework picture passed down through generations until it was bequeathed to the NHA.
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James Walter Folger carved this segment of Boston’s Great Elm Tree in 1878, after the famous tree fell in a storm on February 15, 1876.
Carved segment of Boston’s Great Elm, 1878, James Walter Folger.
Carving - 4" H x 8 ¾” W x 1 ¾” D, Plaque - 6 ¼” H x 10 7/8” W x 1" D.
Gift of Grace Brown Gardner. 1949.5.1
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The Great Elm, as it was known, grew on the Boston Common from a time prior to the city’s founding in 1630. It measured 21 ft. 8 in. in circumference 30 in. above the ground, the spread of its branches extended more than one hundred feet. It was revered as “Boston’s Oldest Inhabitant,” and inspired many cities and towns to plant American elms along city streets. Prior to the Common becoming a place of recreation in the early nineteenth century, the lot was a cow field, and the tree was, grimly, the site of capital punishment in the city. It served as gibbet for the hanging of, among others, Nipmuc medicine man Tantamous in 1676 during King Phillip’s War. Wood from the tree was used to make veneers for memorial plaques including photographs of the tree, a chair that still sits in the Rare Book Room of the Boston Public Library, and this carved memento from Nantucket’s acclaimed artist and sculptor, James Walter Folger.
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Sights in Boston and suburbs, or, Guide to the stranger Year: 1856 (1850s) Authors: Pulsifer, David, 1802-1894 Andrew, John, 1815-1875, egr. Billings, Hammatt, 1818-1875, egr. Hill George W., 1815-1893, egr. Barry, egr.
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Real Nantucket History: The American Revolution
Features nine video episodes produced by and starring Ian Opaluch as an ace eighteenth-century news reporter, reporting on the Nantucket-related doings of William Rotch, Kezia Coffin, and other well-known personalities during the Revolutionary War
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History Topic:
Before the Rockefellers, there were the Rotches
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By Sarah Crabtree
Three generations of Rotches dominated Nantucket’s politics, economy, and society. The rise of their family was inextricably linked with that of the island just as their troubles mirrored those of the island. Their decision to relocate from the island to the mainland assured that New Bedford would become the whaling capital in the nineteenth century.
Much about the early life of Joseph Rotch, William Sr.’s father, remains elusive. He claimed to be from Salisbury, England, but family historians believe he was most likely born in Salem, Massachusetts. Even his birthdate of 1704 is only a best guess. We do know that he was initially a cordwainer (shoemaker) and that he emigrated to Nantucket (from Salem) around 1725. We also know that he soon met and married Love Coffin Macy, the daughter of two Proprietor families, and joined her father’s very successful trading firm. He claimed to have converted to Quakerism – likely because of his wife’s dedication to the Society and her good standing in meeting – but, even if he became a Friend, he was never noticeably devout during his life.
Photo
: Portrait of William Rotch. Pencil on paper,
4 5/8" H x 6" W (Unframed).
1998.1079.2.
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History Topic:
What is the significance of the ships’ names over the door of the Pacific Club at the foot of Main Street?
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By Frances Karttunen
The sign carries the names of the ships Dartmouth, Beaver, and Bedford. In years past, the sign read Dartmouth, Beaver, and Eleanor. These were the three ships from which tea was dumped into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Only the Dartmouth and the Beaver belonged to ship owner and whale oil merchant William Rotch.
Photo
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Group of men standing outside the Pacific Club in 1895.
GPN4478
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Historic Nantucket
Click image to open this issue!
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Enhance at-home learning by downloading free and easy to use ACKtivity kits added weekly and lesson plans for all ages.
NEW
Boston Tea Party
activity today!
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Test your ACK knowledge
Take our online quiz after exploring these items from our collection.
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NHA University is a weekly resource featuring videos, history topics, artifacts, transcription projects, and more. Intended to enrich at-home learning for all—coming to your inbox every Tuesday.
Attend NHA University online anytime
to catch up on past lessons,
here
.
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During this difficult time, the NHA is pleased to share curated digital content weekly for the enrichment and enjoyment of our members and friends. Staff looks forward to welcoming you back to the Whaling Museum to enjoy an expansive array of exhibitions and programs once it is safe to open our doors.
Due to the CARES Act, donors now receive a higher deduction on their charitable gifts. To learn more,
click here
. If you would like to support the NHA during this time, consider joining as a member or making a donation today.
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The NHA is closed to the public; this includes the Whaling Museum, Research Library, and Historic Properties.
All NHA public programs and events are cancelled for the foreseeable future.
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