The Role of the Free Press in the American Revolution
Thu., 6/11/26 6:30 pm
18th century newspapers and pamphlets were essential to the dissemination of information and were instrumental in fanning the flames of discord on both sides of the revolutionary conflict.
- How did printers get their information?
- How were newspapers and pamphlets printed?
- What meaning did words and symbols hold to persuade and encourage rebellion or loyalty?
This interactive program focuses on the narrative of the incredible role that printing and propaganda played in the pivotal events leading up to the American Revolution, with the added component of material culture items to engage visitors and deepen understanding.
Michele Gabrielson is a history teacher and historic interpreter of the 18th century. When she is not teaching in the classroom, Michele can be found leading tours, lectures, and demonstrations at historic sites in the greater Boston area. She specializes in interpreting the history of colonial women printers, the stories of loyalist refugees, and of 18th century chocolate makers! Most recently, she has taken on building a first-person impression of the revolutionary playwright and poet Mercy Otis Warren. Michele additionally serves as the secretary for the newly formed Mercy Otis Warren Society, dedicated to helping preserve the contributions of Mercy, is a member of the Authenticity Standards Committee for Minuteman National Historic Park, and is the coordinator for the Battle Road Guides for the annual reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. She was awarded a 2024 Rising Star Award for Public History by the Massachusetts History Alliance for her programming titled, “The Revolutionary Classroom,” and named a finalist for the 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year. She was awarded the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution’s Outstanding History Teacher of the Year for 2025 and the 2025 winner of the Fred Graham Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.
Registration is recommended to receive a reminder and reserve your seat but is not required.
https://harvardpubliclibrary.
This program is sponsored by the Trustees of the Harvard Public Library and the Harvard Press.
This program is sponsored by the Trustees of the Harvard Public Library and the Harvard Press.