One important aspect of Mass Humanities` mission is the history of our own state. Because of the Commonwealth`s decentralized record keeping, towns and historical societies have significant collections. Our Massachusetts History efforts have a threefold purpose:

• Assist historical organizations in remaining or becoming viable in a networked world; communicate aspects of professional public history practice to volunteers in small, local, organizations.
• Promote awareness of and cooperation between the various groups, organizations, and agencies that support and "do" history in the state.
• Provide our own Mass History programming for the citizenry of Massachusetts

The SIR (1 deadline per year) and the RIG (2 deadlines per year) support local historical organizations in working with their collections.

Held in early June each year, featuring panel discussions and workshops on topics of interest to people who work with small museums and other historical organizations. No organizational affiliation is required for attendance. Contact Patty Bruttomesso (localhistory@masshumanities.org)  (DETAILS)

Programming that addresses timely and relevant topics in Massachusetts History, usually in cooperation with museums or other historical organizations.

To mark the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry Armory, “An (Un)Civil Action“ features screenings of excerpts of the documentary, John Brown's Holy War, at various sites in Massachusetts, paired with archival materials about violent action in Massachusetts history, and followed by discussion of the issue of civic violence – violent action between or against citizens and (government) institutions – and our civic responsibilities. (DETAILS)

We sponsor programs that provide particularly useful services to the Massachusetts history community.

An initiative of the Mass Studies Program at UMass Boston. Community-based photo-digitization events document the history of the people of Massachusetts. Each year, Mass Humanities sponsors a number of events. For details or to initiate a Road Show contact info@massmemories.net  (DETAILS)

Mass Humanities` 366-day  "this day in Massachusetts history" almanac with links to the various places and archives in Massachusetts that relate to the topic of the day. Email, ideas, comments, and proposals to info@massmoments.org   (DETAILS)

Pleun Bouricius
Massachusetts History Program Officer
pbouricius@masshumanities.org (413) 584-8440

Massachusetts History project grant information, Massachusetts History on the Web, cooperation and sponsorship, Mass Moments, Mass History Programming

Patty Bruttomesso
Local History Coordinator
localhistory@masshumanities.org (413) 588-1606

SIR/RIG grant information, Massachusetts History Conference