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.

Map of Boston, by John Almon, drawn at Boston in June 1775, published in London Aug 28 1775

The Siege of Boston

The Siege of Boston took place in Boston during the Revolutionary War. The siege was the beginning phase of the Revolutionary War, during which American militiamen surrounded and trapped the… Read more »

House of Thomas Putnam & family in Danvers circa 1891

Thomas Putnam: Ringleader of the Salem Witch Hunt?

Thomas Putnam was the father of afflicted girl Ann Putnam, Jr, and many historians consider him to be a major influence in the Salem Witch Trials. Putnam himself accused and… Read more »

Captain John Smith Explores New England

Captain John Smith was an English explorer known for his role in establishing the first English settlement, Jamestown, in North America. In 1614, a few years after he was forced… Read more »

New Books on the Salem Witch Trials Published

Two new books on the Salem Witch Trials recently hit the shelves. The first is a historical fiction novel, titled Abigail Accused: A Story of the Salem Witch Hunt, based… Read more »

"There is a flock of yellow birds above her head" Salem Witch Trials illustration by Howard Pyle published in Harper's New Monthly Magazine circa 1893

The Witchcraft Trial of Mary Warren

Mary Warren was the oldest of the afflicted girls in the Salem Witch Trials and testified against numerous accused witches before she was eventually accused of witchcraft herself. A lot… Read more »