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Historical Society and she volunteers for the National Archives and the Massachusetts Historical Society transcribing historical documents.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

Boston Light: First Lighthouse in America

Boston Light is a historic lighthouse in Boston Harbor. The lighthouse was built in 1716, making it the first lighthouse in America. The lighthouse has since been rebuilt and is… Read more »

Front page of William Bradford's manuscript "Of Plymouth Plantation"

Mayflower & Plymouth Colony Primary Sources

The primary sources of the Mayflower and the pilgrims provide a firsthand account of this historic ship and the people it carried to the New World. The following is a… Read more »

Map of New England by Captain John Smith circa 1616

How Did Plymouth Get Its Name?

Have you ever wondered how Plymouth, Massachusetts got its name? The answer is Plymouth was first named by Captain John Smith during his expedition to New England in 1614. Smith… Read more »

Map of New England by Captain John Smith circa 1616

How Did New England Get Its Name?

Have you ever wondered how New England got its name? The answer is New England was named by English explorer Captain John Smith during his expedition to North America in… Read more »

How Did Martha’s Vineyard Get Its Name?

Ever wonder who Martha was and how Martha’s Vineyard got its name in the first place? The answer has been lost to time but some sources claim that the island… Read more »