Student presenters Shea Kelly, Jack Norton, and Lia Swiniarski
See and hear what high school students can make of history by examining original sources as well as scholars' works. Students at The Governor's Academy present their papers on historical subjects of local interest, researched and written for their Advanced Placement U.S. History class.
"The Legend of the Goodrich Massacre" by Shea Kelly
On the evening of October 23, 1692, while Benjamin Goodrich, his wife, and daughters were saying their evening prayers in their home in Georgetown, Indian raiders attacked, killing mother, father, and two daughters and taking the 7-year-old daughter captive -- a child whom colonists paid ransom to reclaim. But legend tells of a fourth daughter taken captive and unredeemed, a story never before examined until now. What to make of it? Kelly's finding is intriguing.
Shea Kelly, a Byfield native and a senior at The Governor's Academy, enjoys psychology and neuroscience as well as yoga and community service. A roadside marker drew her interest into this history.
"Honorable & Glorious: The Birthplace of America's Navy" by Jack Norton
Six different places claim the historic and patriotic distinction of being the birthplace of the U.S. Navy: Skenesborough (now Whitehall), NY; Machias, ME; Providence, RI; Philadelphia, PA; Beverly, MA; Marblehead, MA. But which of those claims is true? Which place, akin to Boston's unrivaled fame as the cradle of American liberty, is the berth of the American Navy?
Jack Norton, a native of Beverly and a senior at The Governor's Academy, enjoys the outdoors, ceramics, acting, and singing. Jack's research took him to the National Archives, where he was assisted by the Archivist of the U.S.
"Freemasonry's Influence on the Values & Principles of America's Government" by Lia Swiniarski
The American Revolution caused divided loyalties between colonial Freemasons. A minority of America’s Founders were Freemasons, but that minority significantly influenced the framing and ratification of the Constitution of the United States, which embodies Freemasonry’s core principles of the brotherhood and equality of all men as well as Masonic concepts of religious toleration, representative democracy, and federalism.
Lia Swiniarski, a lifelong resident of Byfield and now a senior at The Governor's Academy, enjoys history and the humanities as well as photography and community service. Her research included archival materials at the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Boston.
Reception 6:30pm Program 7:00pm
At the Museum of Old Newbury, 98 High Street
Space is limited--contact 978-462-2681 or info@newburyhistory.org to reserve your seat