Massachusetts Experiment in Democracy:
1620-Today
The exhibit traces the Massachusetts experience through the colonial, revolutionary, federal, and nineteenth century reform periods. The sub-theme, “Tracing our Roots,” tells the story of four representative Massachusetts families of Native American, English, African-American and Irish heritage.
Colonial
1630–1763
Massachusetts est. 1630
Many of the people who settled in the New World came to escape religious persecution. In both Virginia and Massachusetts, the colonists flourished with some assistance from Native Americans.
John Winthrop
Revolutionary
1763–1783
Declaration of Independance
The American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and 1783. The American Patriots in the Thirteen Colonies won independence from Great Britain, becoming the United States of America.
George Washington
Federal
1788–1800
US Constitution
During this era, the Federalist Party and its predecessors were dominant in American politics. The era saw the creation of a new, stronger federal government under the United States Constitution.
William Apess
19th Century Reform
1890–1920s
Civil Rights
The main objectives of the this movement were eliminating problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and corruption in government.
Dorothea Dix
