NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

What can small New England towns teach us about the meaning of independence—250 years later?

In this engaging talk, local historian and teacher Tim Castner explores how town meetings became a training ground for democracy in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Starting with the story of Mary Rowlandson, we’ll look at how shared experiences of conflict and survival shaped community life and political decision-making.

Along the way, we’ll consider both the promise and the limits of these early democratic practices—and what they still mean today.

NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

DATE: Wednesday, May 6

TIME: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

LOCATION: Reference Room, Thayer Memorial Library, 717 Main Street, Lancaster, MA 01523

This program is offered by Thayer Memorial Library as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!