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Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents.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

Louisa May Alcott circa 1857

The Life of Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott was a writer from Concord, Massachusetts who was a part of the transcendentalist movement during the 19th century, Alcott, author of the classic novel Little Women, was… Read more »

Traveling the Underground Railroad in Massachusetts

The Underground Railroad was a series of safe houses stretching from the South to Canada. These safe houses provided shelter and protection for runaway slaves trying to find freedom in… Read more »

History of the First Thanksgiving

The first Thanksgiving was a harvest celebration held by the pilgrims of Plymouth colony in the 17th century. Many myths surround the first Thanksgiving. Very little is known about the… Read more »

"Signing the Mayflower Compact," oil painting by Edward Percy Moran, circa 1900

The Mayflower Compact

The Mayflower Compact was a social contract the pilgrims signed in November 1620 to establish law and order in the new colony. It is an important primary source for the… Read more »

"The Witch, No. 1," lithograph by Joseph E. Baker, published by George H. Walker & Co, circa 1892

History of the Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a dark time in American history. More than 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft and 20 were killed during the hysteria. Ever… Read more »