History

In 986, legendary Viking explorer Leif Erikson stumbled upon a new world he called Vineland for its abundance of grapes. Historians were unsure of Vineland’s location until 1680, when colonial Bostonians discovered mysterious, Viking-like markings in Dighton, Massachusetts.

The third Monday of April each year marks Patriots’ Day, commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. Lest memories of these important battles be forgotten, reenactments around Massachusetts take us back to experience the “shot heard round the world” and surrounding events.

In 1716, America built its first lighthouse, Boston Light, on Little Brewster Island. Along with illuminating the way, the lighthouse helped Boston collect a tax from all vessels: one penny per ton.

Boston Latin School has lots to boast about. Not only is it the oldest school in the U.S., but five signers of the Declaration of Independence attended the school.

A new WikiProject, Women in Red, demands greater recognition for female historical figures by increasing the number of biographies about women on Wikipedia.

If you’re looking to truly embrace Thanksgiving this year, a trip to Plimoth Plantation should definitely be on the family to-do list.

Follow the historic streets of Boston to some of the oldest taverns in the city.

What began as a fundraiser for a local track team has grown into a national treasure. The Falmouth Road Race is a picturesque, 7.3-mile bar-to-bar race that takes place every August.

Last week carried a very important day for the American-Israeli relationship, as America officially moved its embassy to Jerusalem. No matter how you feel about this news, it was a historic day and appropriately took place in May, which is also Jewish American Heritage Month.

Fifty years ago, one Bostonian was involved in a scandal that rocked the Kentucky Derby. Peter Fuller, a local boxer turned horse owner, made history as the only winner to be stripped of the first place title when it was discovered that his horse, Dancer’s Image, had illegal drugs in his system.

With Patriots’ Day around the corner, the city is preparing to celebrate the 122nd anniversary of the world’s oldest annual marathon, the Boston Marathon. Here are some of the milestones that the race has seen over the years to jog your memory as to why we love it so much:

Although it doesn’t feel like spring yet, it’s technically here, and with that comes the first well-known holidays for the Christian and Jewish faiths – Easter and Passover. Both are rooted in tradition, but we wanted to share some activities people might not think about during these festive celebrations.

For Irish Americans, St. Patrick’s Day is full of green beer and exciting parades, but rarely do we celebrate in authentic Irish style. Try some of these unique cultural traditions this year!

Mary Mahoney was born in Boston, MA, and she became the first black registered nurse to be professionally trained in the United States in 1879. The program was so difficult that Mary was one of only three students to graduate out of a class of 40.

February is Black History Month and a good time to head into Boston to learn something new and see some of the great historical landmarks our city offers. The Black Heritage Trail is a great place to start.

Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. New Orleanians know how difficult it can be to rebuild after a disaster. Those wanting to help may be similarly overwhelmed, unsure of where to send their aid.

https://vimeo.com/228111655

With the Old Breed is a firsthand account of the fighting in the Pacific during WWII, written by E.B. Sledge, a U.S. Marine, during the battles on Peleliu and Okinawa. He has passed away but his recollection of events he and his fellow servicemen endured are harrowing. The detail he portrays puts you in his shoes as he takes you through the war, step by step.

The next time you visit the North End for some great Italian food and perhaps Mike’s Pastry for dessert, stop by the Old North Church.

Last month, we lost a Boston icon when Catie Copley, a black Labrador retriever who served as the greeter at the Fairmont Copley Plaza for more than 13 years, died.

For history buffs, the Granary Burying Ground is a must see stop on the Freedom Trail Boston. The historic cemetery, located on Tremont Street, was founded in 1660 and is the third-oldest cemetery in Boston.

Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park. Now a popular place for public gatherings, relaxation and fun activities, the Common has been used for many purposes throughout its unique history.

Boston’s rich history touches every corner of the city, and Faneuil Hall is no exception. Built in 1741 by a wealthy merchant named Peter Faneuil, this building hosted America’s first town meeting and remains an open forum space almost 300 years later.

The award-winning nonprofit World War II Foundation produces documentary films that air all over the world.

The Massachusetts State House was built in 1798 by Charles Bulfinch on the site of John Hancock’s cow pasture. One hundred years later, a second grander wing was added by Charles Brigham. The House is the oldest building on Beacon Hill.

Catania Oils has been in business since the early 1900s when Giuseppe Basile came to America and began selling authentic olive and vegetable oil door to door in his Lynn, Massachusetts, neighborhood. Today, his descendants run the company that has grown to 140 employees.