Author Archives: Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

About Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

Rebecca Beatrice Brooks is the author and publisher of the History of Massachusetts Blog. Rebecca is a journalist and history writer who got her start in journalism working for small-town newspapers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire after she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in journalism. She is a member of Historic Salem Inc, the Danvers Historical Society, and the Salisbury Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents. Visit this site's About page to find out more about Rebecca.

The Gloucester Sea Serpent of 1817

The Sea Serpent of Gloucester, Massachusetts

The Gloucester Sea Serpent was a creature reportedly seen near the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The sea serpent was described as a giant snake-like creature with a large head. The… Read more »

History of Warren Tavern in Charlestown, Massachusetts

Warren Tavern is a historic tavern on Pleasant Street in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Established in 1780, it was the first tavern to be built after the British burned Charlestown during the… Read more »

Dalton House in Newburyport, Massachusetts

The Michael Dalton House is a historic Georgian-style house on State Street in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Built in 1747 for local mariner Michael Dalton, it is a 2 1/2-story wood frame… Read more »

Union Oyster House, Boston, Mass. Photo by Carol M. Highsmith in 1980.

Union Oyster House: Oldest Restaurant in Boston

The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts, and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America. Built on Union Street in 1716, the building is a three-story… Read more »

The Tewksbury State Hospital men's dining room in 1903

The Tewksbury State Hospital Murder Spree

On February 4, 1938, a 79-year-old patient at the Tewksbury State Hospital shot and killed three fellow patients in their beds and critically wounded two more. The attacker, John Mack,… Read more »