Massachusetts Historical Society

Event Series

The MHS hosts original program series exploring different topics in Massachusetts and American history. For each series, MHS staff works with an invited group of experts in a field to curate a series of conversations on a particular topic. Subjects and time periods range extensively, but often feature new and innovative work in the field of history. Browse a selection of these series below and visit our calendar of events for future programs.

Confronting Racial Injustice

Developed by the Northeastern University School of Law Criminal Justice Task Force, Confronting Racial Injustice is a five-part series hosted by the Massachusetts Historical Society and sponsored by a number of Boston-area organizations.

Disability and the American Past

Watch speakers from around the country for this multi-perspective examination of disability in the American past. The series includes programs, seminars, and workshops.

Massachusetts Pride

Explore the history of the LGBTQ community in Massachusetts.

REFLECTING ON THE REPERCUSSIONS OF COVID-19

These panel discussions reflect on various aspects of the past two years: our different experiences, how we adapted, and what we learned in the face of the pandemic.

Boston in Film

The series explores the evolution of this film genre, looks at other films about Boston--including those with smaller distribution--that offer a different image than what is typically portrayed, and explores the future of film in Boston

Legacies of 1619

The Massachusetts Historical Society, Museum of African American History, and Roxbury Community College present four panels to discuss the history of Africans and African Americans in the American past.

Housing as History

This four-part series looks at the history of six housing sites across Boston and examines the conditions for affordable and public housing today, highlighting the challenges—and opportunities—that lie ahead for the city.

THE GREAT MOLASSES FLOOD REVISITED

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Great Molasses Flood in Boston’s North End, this series looks at this “surreal” disaster in a working-class and immigrant neighborhood, how it came to pass, and what has changed in its wake.

This Land is Your Land

The Boston metropolitan area is one of the most densely populated regions of America; however, it is also an area that provides relatively easy access to open spaces. This series looks at the pioneering role Massachusetts has taken in the preservation of common lands and to think about the leadership we can offer for the future.

Mass Modern

Explore the optimism of the modernist movement, the excitement behind it, and what it means today to a city that has largely forgotten the economic plight and the response to it.

Annual Fiori Lecture

The Fiori Lecture is held annually to recognize and honor the leadership of President Emeritus Dennis Fiori (2006-2017). It explores American history with an emphasis on Material Culture.

MHS Film Club

The MHS features a movie every month and invites experts to lead a discussion on the film. Watch the movie at your leisure and then join us for the discussion. 

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