American Inspiration

In association with the English-Speaking Union of Boston, we proudly present Flora Fraser speaking on her book The Washingtons: George and Martha.

In this reframing of American history, Brown University historian Linford Fisher traces the institution of slavery back to the earliest days of colonial settlement. Stealing America demonstrates how the enslavement of Indigenous people began just after 1492 and, for centuries following, was a key feature of land dispossession and colonial expansion.   

Celebrate the launch of Finding Cornerstone Stories: Uncovering Inspiration in Your Family’s History with author André Kearns.

Finding Cornerstone Stories reveals tales of Black entrepreneurship and resilience from slavery to leadership through the family tree of author André Kearns. Presented as illustrated essays, the book provides inspiration on every page as the author offers his personal stories and practical guidance for readers to conduct genealogical research and discover their own family histories. 

Join award-winning historian David Reynolds and Ryan J. Woods of American Ancestors as they discuss the craft of the historian and the history of American division through the two ships once widely used as symbols in the war of ideas between North and South.

Moderated by Ryan J. Woods

Join the celebrated author Nina Sankovitch to explore the life, influence, and impact of a very different Colonial-era opinion leader in New England. Beyond the Hancock, Adams, Quincy, and Lowell families featured in her previous works, meet a forgotten early American renegade minister and see just how radical the American experiment could have been.

Moderated by Joan Ilacqua

Join us for prize-winning historian Richard Bell’s presentation recasting America’s war of independence as a transformative international event. Gain insight from his enlightening conversation with fellow historian Eliga Gould, an expert on the American Revolution. 

Moderated by Eliga Gould