Libraries throughout Massachusetts have committed to hosting public screenings of the “Promises of the Revolution” film series, thanks to a pilot program led by Mass Humanities and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). A total of 29 libraries received a media kit and in-depth discussion guide designed to spark conversation about freedom, democracy, and the Revolution. Twelve libraries requested and received a small stipend of $250 to support programming.
In 2026, Mass Humanities partnered with GBH to produce the “Promises” documentary series. The series (30 minutes total run time) presents four stories examining American Revolutionary history through the lens of Black, LGBTQ+, youth, and Indigenous voices in Massachusetts. From Marblehead to Mashpee, residents tackle the 250th anniversary, weaving history with today’s challenges to show why our past matters.
“We are grateful for our partnership with MBLC and the libraries who will share these films with their communities,” said Brian Boyles, executive director of Mass Humanities. “‘Promises of the Revolution’ gives all of us the opportunity to reexamine the roots our democracy as we learn from the people carrying forward our founding commitments here in Massachusetts.”
Libraries that plan to screen the films include:
Berkshire Athenaeum – Pittsfield
Bigelow Free Public Library – Clinton
Blackstone Public Library
Burlington Public Library
Bushnell-Sage Library – Sheffield
Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch
Dedham Public Library
East Bridgewater Public Library
Easthampton Public Library
Hyannis Public Library
John Curtis Free Library – Hanover
Joshua Hyde Public Library – Sturbridge
Norwell Public Library
Medford Public Library
Memorial Hall Library – Andover
Morrill Memorial Library – Norwood
Salisbury Public Library
South Dennis Free Public Library
Sunderland Public Library
Swampscott Public Library
Swansea Free Public Library
Thayer Memorial Library – Lancaster
Valente Branch Library – Cambridge
Ventress Memorial Library – Marshfield
Vineyard Haven Public Library
Wayland Free Public Library
Wellesley Free Library
West Falmouth Library
Westwood Public Library – Westwood
The films are available with English captions and Spanish captions. Suggested audiences include teenage youth and adults. A screening guide is available in English for use in discussions.
Stream the individual films on our website:
- Watch “Promises of Freedom,” a short film about the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe – Mass Humanities
- Watch “Heading Home,” a short film about the Marblehead Museum – Mass Humanities
- Watch: “Here to Stay,” a short film about Queer History Boston – Mass Humanities
- Watch: “Making Headlines,” a short film about Teens in Print – Mass Humanities
Questions? Contact: Raeshma Razvi, Program Officer, rrazvi@masshumanities.org
