The Legacy of Elizabeth Freeman: A Story of Justice and Freedom

Suited for: Middle to High SchoolThe story of Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman (1744-1829) who sued for her freedom in 1781 which led to the abolishment of slavery in Massachusetts

Video: Trustees curator Mark Wilson at Ashley House where Freeman lived when she sued the state (6:46 mins) 

Click here for more on Elizabeth Freeman with links to related cultural sites and activities  

Ashley House history and archives

Lessons from An Old Manse

Suited for: Middle to High SchoolObject- and literary-based lessons with site-specific historical information followed by prompts for contemporary contemplation, discussion, and writing

William Emerson’s Clock and Contemplations on Time 

Sophia Hawthorne’s Window Etchings and Gender Roles 

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Friendship 

Nathaniel Hawthorne from Hearth to Stove 

Ezra Ripley’s Desk and Conscience, Care, and Charity 

Literary Readings from The Old Manse

Suited for: Middle to High School Readings of famous works written at The Old Manse with accompanying images

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Nature” (8:04 mins) 

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” (8:39 mins)  

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Friendship” (8:48 mins)

Five-Minute History Lessons from The Old Manse

Suited for: Middle to High SchoolWalk through the historic home and witness history through its events and inhabitants

The Home of Two Revolutions (6:10 mins) – summary of The Old Manse’s 250-year history

Reverend William Emerson’s Eye Witness Account of April 19th 1775 (4:24 mins) 

William Emerson 1769-1811 (5:42 mins) 

Ezra Ripley 1751-1841 (5:08 mins) 

Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803-1882 (5:45 mins) 

Nathaniel Hawthorne 1804-1864 (4:43 mins) 

Sophia Peabody Hawthorne 1809-1971 (5:23 mins)

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark”- Part 1 (4:42 mins) & Part 2 (5:34 mins)

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Old Manse” from Mosses from an Old Manse