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Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents.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

4th Massachusetts Regiment, Illustration by R. J. Marrion for the Uniforms of the American War of Independence, a series of 24 collector cards

Deborah Sampson Soldier Costume

If you’re looking for a Deborah Sampson soldier costume for a class project, a reenactment, or even for a Halloween costume, you have a number of options. (Disclaimer: This article… Read more »

What Options Did Accused Witch Have Salem

What Options Did an Accused Witch Have in Salem?

Colonists accused of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials did not have a lot of options. Salem was ruled by English law at the time, which dictated that if a… Read more »

How Did Boston Get Its Name?

How Did Boston Get Its Name?

Many people wonder how Boston got its name, and few realize that, much like other cities and towns in New England, it too was named after a town in England…. Read more »

Best Salem Witch Trials Books

Best Books About the Salem Witch Trials

If you’re interested in learning more about the Salem Witch Trials, you may want to read one of the many books published on the topic. Hundreds of books have been… Read more »

John Willard, Memorial Marker, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Salem, Mass, November 2015. Photo Credit: Rebecca Brooks

The Witchcraft Trial of John Willard

John Willard was a deputy constable in Salem who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Not much is known about Willard’s life before the Salem… Read more »