More Lectures in Lexington

A few days ago I shared links to various organizations’ calendars for Patriots’ Day. Many of those events recur every year, but here are a couple of new presentations from the Lexington Historical Society.

Thursday, 14 April, 6:00 P.M.
Memorial Dedication to Jack and Dinah
Dr. Robert Bellinger
Lexington Depot

In 2019, Lexington Historical Society began the journey of researching the history of slavery in eighteenth-century Lexington, focusing on the Hancock-Clarke House, where the Hancock family enslaved two individuals named Jack and Dinah in the years leading up to the Revolution. Dr. Robert Bellinger of Suffolk University, consulting historian for this project, will present his research looking into the lives of black families in town, both enslaved and free, in the eighteenth century.

Then, as part of the reinterpretation of the house, the Society has partnered with Stopping Stones, an organization which creates memorials for enslaved people throughout the United States, to place such a memorial to Jack and Dinah at the Hancock-Clarke House site. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk through the museum following the dedication.

This museum will also be open for tours all Patriots’ Day weekend. The Hancock-Clarke House tour has been revamped to incorporate the new research about Jack and Dinah, enhancing our understanding of the complexities of the Revolution as people of all social classes, races, and genders debated the meaning of freedom and liberty here in Lexington and beyond.

This in-person event is free. Registration is recommended but not required.

Thursday, 21 April, 7:00 to 8:30 P.M.
“Your Petitioner Is So Much Hurted”: John Robbins and His Wound
Joel Bohy and Dr. Douglas D. Scott
online

After the smoke cleared on the evening of April 19th, the town of Lexington mourned its dead. Others who participated in the battle that morning survived with injuries that plagued them for the rest of their lives. View a presentation by historic arms expert Joel Bohy and archaeologist Dr. Douglas D. Scott as they discuss the struggles of John Robbins, a soldier in Captain John Parker’s militia company.

Robbins suffered horrific injuries in the battle, rendering him “truly Pitiable being unable to Contribute anything to the Support of a wife & five small Children.” Who was this man? How extensive were his injuries? And was he ever able to receive a pension? Afterward, participate in a live Q&A with the speakers to dive deeper into the ballistic history of the battle.

Register for this online program here.