‘Not everyone was Paul Revere': Mass. historians reimagine America's founding tale

Boston Globe

25-04-2025

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These overlooked perspectives
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included in the museum's '
'Not everyone was
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A more inclusive accounting of Massachusetts history is a massive undertaking in the current moment, local historians acknowledge. They are taking the charge when public history funding is scarce, the sector lacks few diverse perspectives, and mentions of
The Trump administration's canceling of millions of
Against these odds, though, 'this is really the time to hook people,' Folsom said.
Governor
The state closed a second, $2 million grant cycle for organizations marking the
But the programming has drawn some
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'An important focus for us from the start has been on telling the untold stories and spotlighting underrepresented voices from the Revolution,' the spokesperson said in a statement. That focus includes 'Indigenous peoples, enslaved and free Black communities, and women,' along with cities and towns that aren't usually included in Revolutionary War-related tourism.
Fifty years ago, or even a few years ago, Independence Day revelers might have heard a different Revolutionary War story. Globe coverage from America's bicentennial captures celebrations centered around figures such as George Washington, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson.
Protests from Black and Indigenous groups about these figures' owning of people, and genocide of Native tribes, respectively, were mentioned in mainstream media, albeit briefly.
Brian Boyles, executive director of MassHumanities, sits on the state's commemoration commission and co-chairs
MassHumanities has allocated at least $600,000 toward '
Boyles said the nonprofit realized that philanthropic initiatives for more diverse public history isn't enough. Historians must also ensure their money will ensure that marginalized communities are shaping the stories visitors hear.
'Expertise lives in a lot of different ways and communities,' Boyles said.
Also broadening the Revolutionary War's narrative are exhibits such as '
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The item, with its endless pattern of circles and focus on King Philip's War, 'serves as a touchstone to multiple stories'
of the past, present, and future,
Walley said.
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Walley sees Concord Museum as a potential model for museums reckoning with their outdated interpretations of the nation's founding. It is using its privilege, Walley said, as an institution with extensive collections and funding to center voices such as hers.
'It's not like they're the only museum that's doing good things,' Walley said, but there are many museums that haven't even started improving.
As the demand for more inclusive histories grows, community-bred, public historians such as Joel Mackall are in high demand. For years, he has led walking tours of Black history around Greater Boston, mostly among Black people like him. But recently, he has received several inquiries from outside the community to give tours, lectures, and speeches.
The surge in popularity is something he's still getting used to, but at times, he feels he can't be as candid about America's problems with race.
'We always have to tone down or reshape our suffering" to ensure some audiences don't feel uncomfortable, Mackall said. 'It's a lot.'
At popular Revolutionary War sites such as the Old State House in downtown Boston, historians don't shy away from the political aftershocks of violent protest. This touchy subject is fleshed out in the '
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But when it comes to race, things get tricky, said Nat Sheidley, CEO of Revolutionary Spaces, the nonprofit managing the landmark.
'It's dangerous, it's hard to create a space you can't control,' Sheidley said. 'You put other people at risk by inviting them to be in dialogue with it.'
Joe Palumbo, a Concord native and historian, believes that learning a more complete story will benefit everyone. The state recently awarded the town a $25,000 grant for a project related to the 250th commemoration, which includes Palumbo's tours that highlight the different sites shaped by patriots of color.
Take the
Across the street from the famous span, there is The Robbins House. Its namesake, Caesar Robbins, was born into slavery in Chelmsford and fought in two wars. At 16, he served in the French and Indian War, and his enslaver received his wages. In his early 30s, he fought in the Revolutionary War and gained his freedom. He served at both Dorchester Heights and Fort Ticonderoga.
And these are just two stories.
For Palumbo, inclusion in the story of the town, and the nation, matters.
'The country was really built by everybody,' he said.
Danny McDonald of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
Tiana Woodard can be reached at