History of Boston

Explore the rich history of Boston, birthplace of the American Revolution. From the Puritans to the New England Patriots, this course tells the story of one of the country’s most iconic cities and will help students understand Boston’s past and present. Taught by Dr. Robert Allen, chair of Suffolk University’s History Department, this is the first MOOC based on a city and its history.

See where the spark of democracy was set for America and learn about the area’s earliest settlers and why the Revolutionary War began in Boston. Trace the city’s central role in the anti-slavery movement and the Civil War and find out how Boston has redefined education, the arts, and medicine by creating some of the best museums, schools, and orchestras in the world. Explore the many diverse elements of modern culture that sprang from Boston.

Course participants will be encouraged to visit Boston for work or pleasure, and to appreciate the city and its history more deeply and personally once they are here. The course will allow anyone to participate in a walking tour of the Freedom Trail as well as a virtual tour of all of Boston’s most significant historic places. The community will be encouraged to contribute elements, artifacts, and stories.