Name
The Boston Massacre, Up Close and Personal
Description

Through reading and writing, students will become familiar with the Boston Massacre of March 5, 1770. Often glossed over in history texts, the Boston Massacre will be examined through reading a chapter, in which dialogue between a teacher at the Boston Latin School and his students is central. Placing the reader "in the room" of the historical event offers opportunity for critical discussion as well as consideration of the town of Boston's reaction to it. In this first overt clash between colonists and British power, a group of British soldiers fired on an angry mob, resulting in five civilian deaths. The response of the town of Boston was significant, revealing the importance town officials placed on law, rather than emotion. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country's founding, careful selection of materials can involve students in its inception. Participants will receive a reading from my historical fiction novel, The Remarkable Cause: A Novel of James Lovell and the Crucible of the Revolution, focusing on the Boston Massacre; handouts of primary sources to broaden students' understanding of the event; and options of a narrative writing or paragraph styles to involve them in the event. This lesson was first offered at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia in March, 2023.

Track
MCSS (Social Studies)
Date
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Professional Development (Renewal) Units
1
Type of Session
Session - In-Person
This sectional targets grade level(s):
All
Handout
Handout II
Handout III
Capacity
31