Old Manse Books

American Contradictions: Enslavement and the American Revolution at The Old Manse

Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also… Read More

Sarah Alden Bradford Ripley

Flipping the Script: The Women of the Manse

Join us for a captivating tour where we flip the script and delve into the untold stories of the remarkable women who lived in The Old Manse! Rather than focusing solely on the famous men, we’ll shine a light on the inspiring voices and experiences of the women whose lives… Read More

Mohicans, Missionaries and Migrating Colonists: A Guided Tour

New England’s Colonial history—from the perspective of the colonists as well as the indigenous peoples who preceded them—comes alive inside the home to the first missionary to the Mohicans. This National Historic Landmark was originally built around 1742 by the Rev. John Sergeant, the first missionary to… Read More

Old Manse Books

American Contradictions: Enslavement and the American Revolution at The Old Manse

Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also… Read More

Sarah Alden Bradford Ripley

Flipping the Script: The Women of the Manse

Join us for a captivating tour where we flip the script and delve into the untold stories of the remarkable women who lived in The Old Manse! Rather than focusing solely on the famous men, we’ll shine a light on the inspiring voices and experiences of the women whose lives… Read More

Mohicans, Missionaries and Migrating Colonists: A Guided Tour

New England’s Colonial history—from the perspective of the colonists as well as the indigenous peoples who preceded them—comes alive inside the home to the first missionary to the Mohicans. This National Historic Landmark was originally built around 1742 by the Rev. John Sergeant, the first missionary to… Read More

Old Manse Books

American Contradictions: Enslavement and the American Revolution at The Old Manse

Many who fought for liberty and independence from Great Britain also enslaved other people – a contradiction that is at the heart of the American Revolution. At the Old Manse, we see this contradiction embodied in the life of William Emerson, “Patriot Preacher” and slave holder. We also… Read More

Sarah Alden Bradford Ripley

Flipping the Script: The Women of the Manse

Join us for a captivating tour where we flip the script and delve into the untold stories of the remarkable women who lived in The Old Manse! Rather than focusing solely on the famous men, we’ll shine a light on the inspiring voices and experiences of the women whose lives… Read More

ashley house

The Revolutions of The Ashley House: A Guided Tour

*Guided tours will be free on August 23rd in celebration of Elizabeth Freeman Day!* Discover how the ideals of liberty and justice played out in complex ways within this 18th-century homestead on a thought-provoking guided tour. This wasn’t just the home of prominent patriot John Ashley and his family,… Read More

Elizabeth Freeman Day Celebration

Gather for a joyful day of reflection, learning, and community at the return of this annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Elizabeth Freeman, whose landmark 1781 case contributed to the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts. Bring this powerful history to life as you explore the historic home… Read More

Mohicans, Missionaries and Migrating Colonists: A Guided Tour

New England’s Colonial history—from the perspective of the colonists as well as the indigenous peoples who preceded them—comes alive inside the home to the first missionary to the Mohicans. This National Historic Landmark was originally built around 1742 by the Rev. John Sergeant, the first missionary to… Read More

dewey hall lecture

Once Here: New Research and Discoveries about Enslavement at The Ashley House

On the 244th anniversary of Elizabeth Freeman’s groundbreaking legal victory that secured her freedom from slavery, join Decorative Arts Trust Fellow Livy Scott as she shares the culmination of two years of research into the lives of people enslaved at The Ashley House and Sheffield’s 18th-century Black community. The presentation… Read More