The Puritan Legacy: Today and in American History

Many associate the Puritans with witch trials or shaming offenders with a scarlet letter.  Although seventeenth century life was often harsh, the legacy of Massachusetts Puritans is more complex. People are often surprised to learn of the positive outcomes of the Puritan period, but they are numerous: democratic elections, public education, scientific inquiry, and business development are just a few.

Although seventeenth century life was indeed religiously focused, Mr. Kenney explains the Massachusetts Puritans’ more complex legacy in this powerful lecture. The moralistic Puritans obsessed over questions of good and evil, and their concerns may have planted the seeds for a culture of continuous reform.

An RSVP for this event is requested but not required at http://puritans2018_legacy.eventbrite.com

About the speaker

Stephen Kenney is Director of the Commonwealth Museum, the Massachusetts state history museum.  He has a Ph.D. from Boston University and has been a faculty member and administrator at several colleges including service as Interim President at Quincy College, a public community college. He has been curator for several exhibits at the Commonwealth Museum, including: George Washington in Massachusetts, Civil War Massachusetts, and Sacco and Vanzetti. Steve is also a Trustee of the Partnership of Historic Bostons, Inc.

About the event series

Every fall, in honor of the naming of Boston, the Partnership of Historic Bostons hosts a series of free events exploring an intriguing aspect of Puritan life.  This year’s theme is From Theology to Commerce: the First Three Generations of 17th-century Boston.

To see a list of the entire series of FREE events, please visit http://historicbostons.eventbrite.com

Image: This Albert Herter mural at the Massachusetts State House portrays the 1630 arrival of John Winthrop in Salem. Courtesy of Massachusetts State House Art Commission.