Lights, Camera, Action at the AAS

One of my favorite research institutions is the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts.  Founded by the newspaperman Isaiah Thomas (whose colonial-era printing press is on display), the AAS contains terrific collections of early American historical documents and artifacts.  The AAS was a big help to me when I was researching Mayflower, and I've already spent considerable time there with my current project about Boston and the American Revolution.  The AAS is presently putting together an orientation film, and last week I was interviewed about the unique pleasures of conducting research in the organization's dome-topped reading room.

On set at the AAS, ready for my close-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The highlight was getting the chance to read Isaiah Thomas's rather fevered account of the fighting at Lexington and Concord in The Massachusetts Spy.  I was also able to examine a copy of the depositions taken from the American participants in the battle—another treasure among many at the AAS.