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 the American Historical Association, Historic Salem Inc, the Danvers Historical Society, 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Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents.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.

Abner C. Goodell House, Witch Jail, Salem, Mass, photographed by Frank-Cousins

Salem Witch Jail in Salem, Massachusetts

The Salem Witch Jail, also known as the Essex County Jail, was a county jail where some of the accused witches were kept during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692…. Read more »

Map of Salem Common, Salem, Mass, circa 1700, illustration published in the Essex Antiquarian, Volume 9, circa 1905

Salem Common in Salem, Massachusetts

Salem Common is a historic city park in Salem, Massachusetts. The park was once a hilly, swampy area about nine acres in size that was home to five ponds and… Read more »

The old Salem jail and a cast iron fence that surrounds the property in Salem, Mass

Old Salem Jail in Salem, Massachusetts

The old Salem jail, also known as the Essex County Jail, is a historic jail in Salem, Massachusetts located next to the Howard Street Cemetery. The jail was built between… Read more »

Old Town Hall in Derby Square, Salem, Mass, circa 19th century

Old Town Hall in Salem, Massachusetts

Built in 1816, Old Town Hall is a historic building located in Derby Square in Salem, Massachusetts that served as a town hall and marketplace. The building is a two-story… Read more »

Official seal of Watertown, Mass

History of Watertown, Massachusetts

Watertown is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts. It was first settled by members of the Winthrop fleet in the summer of 1630 before being incorporated into the Massachusetts… Read more »