Cradle of Liberty: How Boston Started the American Revolution *In-Person* *NEW*

This spring we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first shots of the American Revolution, fired at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, culminating a decade and a half of political unrest in and around Boston. Why was Massachusetts such a fertile ground for the seeds of rebellion? This class will explore how events and issues such as the Writs of Assistance, the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party set the stage for the War for Independence. The roles of James Otis, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Thomas Hutchinson will all be discussed. Instructor: Charles Bahne

Sections

Instructor

Charles Bahne is a Boston historian and tour guide, and author of The Complete Guide to Boston's Freedom Trail. Charlie graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a major in Urban Studies and Planning, focusing on urban history and tourism. He then worked in some of the city's historic sites and museums, and became a seasonal Park Ranger with Boston National Historical Park. He left the National Park Service in 1985 to publish his Freedom Trail book, which has now sold more than 400,000 copies. Since 1997, Charlie has also taught many Exploritas (formerly Elderhostel) programs about Boston and its role in the American Revolution.