This Week @MHS

FEATURED ITEM

John Adams Campaign Tokens or Button Coat Studs

During the presidential election of 1800, when these tokens or studs were made, the two-party republic was not what it is today. From 1788 to 1800, rather than presidential and vice-presidential candidates running together on one ticket, each ran on their own. The person receiving the highest vote became president and the runner-up vice president.

In the highly contested election of 1800 between John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Aaron Burr, there was political maneuvering, slander, and acrimonious campaigning. Abigail Adams bemoaned these tactics in letters to friends. Ultimately, Thomas Jefferson was chosen as the third president of the United States.

View the token or stud up close. Learn more about John Adam’s presidency on October 9 at a hybrid program offered by the MHS.

Tuesday, 15 October, 5:00 PM: Shovels & Shoes: Cement Sidewalks’ Influence on New Cultures of Civics & Fashion in the Urbanizing United States, 1890–1930 with Kirke D. A. Elsass, Montana State University-Bozeman, with comment by Sara Jensen Carr, Northeastern University. This is a seminar.

Tuesday, 22 October, 5:00 PM: The Stroke of Midnight: The Emergence of New Year’s Eve in America with Alexis McCrossen, Southern Methodist University, with comment by Matthew Dennis, University of Oregon. This is a seminar.

Tuesday, 29 October, 5:00 PM: The War for Liberty & Union: Contesting Daniel Webster’s Memory in the Civil War North with Michael J. Larmann, University of Montana, with comment by Matthew Mason, Brigham Young University. This is a seminar.

Wednesday, 13 November, 5:00 PM: Environmental Change in the 19th Century-A Panel Discussion with Hayden L. Nelson, University of Kansas, and Karl Nycklemoe, Stony Brook University, with comment by John William Nelson, Texas Tech University. This is a seminar.

Monday, 18 November, 6:00 PM: William Hickling Prescott Award for Excellence in Historical Writing Presentation with award recipient Stacy Schiff, in conversation with Megan Marshall, Emerson College. This is a program.

See full calendar.

Boston Views: Through the Lens of Arthur A. Shurcliff

Arthur A. Shurcliff (1870–1957), a landscape architect, created a collection of 1,295 glass lantern slides that depict cityscapes and buildings in Boston and other locations during the first decades of the 20th century. View a selection of Boston scenes reproduced at large scale and learn more about Shurcliff.

Learn more about the collection of glass lantern slides by reading this blog post. Visit our hours and admissions page for gallery hours.

JOIN TODAY

Our Members Are a Vital Resource

Support from MHS Members makes it possible for us to fulfill our mission and expand access to historical knowledge. Thanks to our Members, we offer free admission to our research library and exhibitions; provide history and civics education resources to students and teachers; support leading historical research fellowships and publications; and more. Membership begins with a fully tax-deductible contribution of $250 or more to the MHS Fund. All Members enjoy a full year of social, cultural, and educational experiences, including invitations to our annual Holiday Party, FREE program registration, and Member Week perks. Learn more and join today!

Help us improve your experience with the MHS.

Adjust your e-mail preferences by updating your profile below,

and we will adjust our e-mails to you accordingly.