In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty & Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, & other instruments.

From church hymns to sea shanties to satirical political songs, communal singing was an essential form of entertainment for 18th-century Bostonians. Come participate in this tradition by listening or singing along to a variety of folk tunes and compositions from songbooks popular in Revolutionary-era Boston with Jeff Keller and friends.

Paul Revere, Silversmith: Assessing his Craft and Legacy with Janine E. Skerry and Jeannine Falino
Join Executive Director Nina Zannieri and two noted silver experts for a thoughtful discussion of Revere as perhaps America’s best-known silversmith. Is this status warranted by his talent, a result of his “Midnight Ride” fame, or a little of both? How does his work inform our notion of craft, craftsmanship, business, and entrepreneurship?

By the late 1700s only about two dozen elements were known, there was no periodic table, and there were very few of the laboratory practices and equipment we use today. Chemistry teacher R. P. Hale will demonstrate the 18th century chemistry and procedures behind the art of making oak-gall writing ink. He will show how […]