The “Voices of Dorchester” program on April 11 presented by Historic New England and the Dorchester Historical Society aims to amplify stories from the time period using diaries, letters and personal accounts…
In Dorchester, history isn’t just confined to museums. It can be found in the old houses people pass on their way to work and in the stories passed down from historical figures to present-day residents.
The “Voices of Dorchester” program presented by Historic New England and the Dorchester Historical Society aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution this year by bringing stories from the time period to life using diaries, letters and personal accounts.
The event, on April 11 at the Adams Street Branch of the Boston Public Library, will allow attendees to delve into the history of those who lived in Dorchester before them.
“I want people to see these places differently,” said Carole Mooney, secretary of the Dorchester Historical Society.
“When you’re leaving Star Market and you notice that boarded-up house across the street, instead of thinking, ‘Oh, what an old, dilapidated building,’ maybe you say, ‘That’s where Lieutenant Colonel Badlam’s family lived,’” she added.
The event will begin at the library with presentations from both historical groups, then will go into an optional tour of the nearby historic home (above) of Colonel Samuel Pierce, a Dorchester farmer and militia leader who participated in the fortification of Dorchester Heights — a key moment in the war.
Pierce’s correspondences and journals are the backbone of the program, said Kate Hooper, the school program manager at Pierce House.
“Often when we hear about the Revolutionary War, we think about the famous names … but we often don’t remember that it was just these everyday farmers, shoemakers, blacksmiths, weavers that were really the ones putting a lot at risk,” Hooper said.
She noted that the primary source documents directly connect with what elementary grade students are learning about local history and about the American Revolution.
The event will also show correspondences from prominent figures in the American Revolution, like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.
Attendees are encouraged to bring any historical correspondences from Dorchester residents dating back to the American Revolution they may have as the groups work to document the community history.
“This is what you won’t get in your history books,” Mooney said.
“Voices of Dorchester” takes place April 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Adams Street Branch of the Boston Public Library. Register here.
This story is part of a partnership between the Dorchester Reporter and the Boston University Department of Journalism.