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 freelance journalist and history lover 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. Visit this site's About page to find out more about Rebecca.

Roger Conant: Founder of Salem

Roger Conant was the founder of Salem and became one of the first governors of Massachusetts when he took over a fishing settlement in Gloucester in 1625. Conant is often… Read more »

History of the Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorne Hotel is a historic hotel in Salem, Massachusetts named after local author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The hotel is a six-story Colonial Revival-style building that was first constructed in 1925… Read more »

History of Ipswich, Massachusetts

Ipswich is a charming and historic town in Massachusetts. It is home to the largest number of historic houses in America and has the oldest double-arch stone bridge in America…. Read more »

How Boston Became the Capital of Massachusetts

Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts. Boston became the capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the 17th century and has remained the capital ever since. When the Massachusetts… Read more »

The Howard Street Cemetery, Salem, Mass, circa 2012. Photo Credit: Rebecca Brooks

Howard Street Cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts

Established in 1801, Howard Street Cemetery is a historic cemetery in Salem, Mass. The cemetery is 2.5 acres in size with 1,100 headstones and is located next to the old… Read more »