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Revolutionary Spaces

**Revolutionary Spaces ** connects people to the history and continuing practice of democracy through the intertwined stories of two of the nation’s most iconic sites—Boston’s Old South Meeting House and Old State House. We foster a free and open exchange of ideas, explore history, create gathering places, and preserve and steward historic buildings.

https://www.bostonhistory.org

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

Thu, Oct 8, 2009

Katherine Howe discusses how New England's historic past is woven into her work of fiction, *The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane*. Scholars of the Salem Witch Trials have long discussed what caused the tragic witchcraft hysteria, but author Katherine Howe asks: What if the magic was real? In her spellbinding new novel, Howe weaves the story of graduate student Connie Goodwan with the tale of Deliverance Dane, accused of practicing "physick" in 1690s Salem.

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Slavery and Abolition at Boston's Old South Meeting House

Wed, Sep 30, 2009

James W. Crawford, Minister Emeritus of Boston's Old South Church, discusses how the concept of liberty and destiny so tied in with the church's identity, flavored the congregation's stance on slavery and how Lincoln's influence provided inspiration during the Civil War. Boston's Old South Meeting House has a long connection with abolition, reaching back to the 1700 publication of New England's first anti-slavery tract by prominent congregation member Samuel Sewall. But by the 1850s, Old South, known for its role in the fight for American independence, was split on the question of how to achieve the abolition of slavery.

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Stimulating Beverages: Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate in Early America

Thu, Jan 7, 2010

Amanda Lange, curator at Historic Deerfield, explains how tea, coffee, and chocolate--originally prescribed as cures for ailments ranging from headaches and depressions--became counted among the necessities of daily life. Before 1650, a New England breakfast often included a mug of ale, beer, or hard wine. Yet, with the introduction of tea, coffee, and chocolate, the tastes of the Western world were forever changed.

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The Colorful Politician, James Michael Curley

Wed, Jan 20, 2010

William Bulger, who served as president of both the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, author of *James Michael Curley: a Short Biography*, explains why the "rascal" politician James Michael Curley was such and inspiration to the generation that followed him. James Michael Curley dominated the political scene for over half a century as Boston councilor, alderman, mayor, Massachusetts governor and congressman. Eloquent, passionate, every loyal to his constituents, Curley was a lightening rod for controversy throughout a political career extending from 1897 through 1955. Sponsored by the Lowell Institute.

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Debating Reparations for Slavery

Thu, Oct 10, 2002

Glenn C. Loury of Boston University and Melissa Nobles of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology debate the pros and cons of slavery reparations. How do you put a price on 300 years of injustice? The legacy of slavery in the United States continues to shape life and society for all Americans. The controversial arguments surrounding slavery reparations is proof that this country is still struggling with how to address and overcome the repercussions of slavery. Does this country owe a financial debt to the descendants of black slaves? Who should pay and receive reparations? How much is owed? Instead of repairing damage, might such payments polarize communities and create new racial tensions?

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Jazz Age: From New Orleans to Chicago

Thu, Jan 29, 2004

Eric Jackson, who has been heard nightly on WGBH 89.7 FM for more than 20 years, discusses the rise of this beloved and uniquely American music form in the wild decade of the 1920's. Jackson, host of WGBH's Eric in the Evening, has been called the dean of Boston jazz radio. Using Buddy Bolden as a starting point, Jackson highlights the changing instruments in the early jazz band and discusses stylistic changes in the music through piano styles like ragtime, stride and boogie woogie. He underscores the differences between what is called New Orleans jazz and the styles popularized in Chicago in the late 20s. Jackson reviews the roots of the big band by looking at Fletcher Henderson and Don Redman's pioneering work.

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Quincy Generations From Family to Faneuil Hall

Wed, Sep 17, 2003

John Quincy Jr., an 11th generation descendant of the Quincys in America and author of *Quincy's Market*, discusses the history of his well-known ancestors, one of New England's most famous political families. From the early 19th century's Edmund de Quincy to Mayor Josiah Quincy, the man responsible for building one of Boston's best known landmarks, Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

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The Alcotts: The Real Family Behind "Little Women"

Wed, Sep 24, 2003

Jan Turnquist, executive director of Orchard House, discusses the daily activities and pursuits of the Alcotts, a trailblazing family of reformers.

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Talking Teapots: What Treasures Tell Us About History

Thu, Nov 6, 2003

Nancy Carlisle, Curator of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA)'s traveling exhibition "Cherished Possessions", tells tales of treasures from the 17th to the late 20th century and how they reflect the larger historical themes of revolution, immigration, industrialization and reform. What can a teapot belonging to Boston Massacre martyr Crispus Attucks or pottery vases made by immigrant women in Boston's North End tell us about the history of New England?

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Our Daily Bread: Tales of How Treasures Were Saved

Thu, Nov 13, 2003

"Cherished Possessions" exhibition manager Ken Turino recounts several fascinating stories, including that of a Dorchester family who saved two pieces of bread allegedly dating to the 17th century and a bedcover made by the mother and grandmother of Samuel Adams and passed down through generations of women. Turino shares the stories of how the 200 objects in the "Cherished Possessions" exhibition were saved and managed to survive to the present day, which are often as interesting as the objects themselves.

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