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Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents.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.

“Giles Corey's Punishment and Awful Death”, illustrator unknown, in Witchcraft Illustrated by Henrietta D. Kimball, circa 1892

George Corwin: High Sheriff of Essex County

George Corwin was the high sheriff of Essex County during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. He was the nephew of Judge Jonathan Corwin and Judge Wait Winthrop and the… Read more »

History of Ring’s Island in Salisbury, Massachusetts

Ring’s Island is a peninsula in Salisbury, Massachusetts located near the mouth of the Merrimack River. On March 26, 1642, two acres of Ring’s Island was granted to colonist Robert… Read more »

Salem Historic Sites

Salem, Mass is a historic town with many historic sites. The city’s history spans centuries and visiting these historic sites is a great way to experience Salem’s history first hand…. Read more »

Saint Peter's Church, Salem, Mass, photo by Frank Cousins circa 1865-1914

History of St. Peter’s Church in Salem, Massachusetts

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is a historic church in Salem and was the first Anglican church in the city. It is built on land donated in 1733 by local merchant… Read more »

History of East India Marine Hall in Salem, Massachusetts

East India Marine Hall is a museum building in Salem, Mass constructed by the East India Marine Society in 1825. The hall was constructed to house the society’s collection of… Read more »