Robert J. Allison

Did you know that H.L. Mencken was arrested on Boston Common, April 5, 1926, for selling a copy of The American Mercury?

Literally Boston

Bradley Jay and I talk about Boston's literary history. H.L. Mencken, Edwin O'Connor, the Peabody sisters, and more.

USS CONSTITUTION World Cruise

Where in the world did Constitution go? Listen to find out.

Another great conversation with Bradley Jay, this time about the USS CONSTITUTION's World Cruise, though we also talked about Joseph Warren, the Blackstone Block, and Revolution 250.

World Cruise Part 1

World Cruise Part 2

Mad Jack Percival

Huzzah! Her Sides are Made of Iron!

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Bradley Jay and I talk about Old Ironsides--the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world.

Benjamin Franklin with Bradley Jay

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Bradley Jay and I talk about Boston's most famous runaway, and Boston Latin's most illustrious drop-out.

The Emerald Necklace

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Bradley Jay and I talk about the Emerald Necklace, one of Boston's most extraordinary features. Why was it built? Who built it?

Washington's Real Right-Hand Man

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Bradley Jay and I talk about Henry Knox, Washington's real right-hand man.

The Destruction of the Tea--or the Most Majestic Moment of All

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Bradley Jay and I talk about the Tea Party--or Destruction of the Tea.

The Redcoats are Coming--Again!

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Bradley Jay and I talk about Boston Occupied--the 250th anniversary of the arrival of British troops in Boston, October 1768, and what Revolution 250 planned to commemorate the event.

The American Revolution at the Tangier Global Forum

Watch it Here.

My good friend Anouar Majid, of the University of New England, invited me to speak to the Tangier Global Forum, October 13, 2016.

Fake History

Frank Connolly and I talk about "Fake History."

Was the American Revolution Inevitable?

Watch it here.

The 2017 George Rogers Clark Lecture, at Anderson House, the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati. This organization, founded by George Washington's officer corps in 1783, preserves the history of the American Revolution.

Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero

I had an opportunity to talk about Decatur at Old South Meeting House in Boston.

The St. Patrick's Day Breakfast

Discussing this venerable institution with Nick DeLuca, but there is a link to the definitive article on the subject.

The Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party

Eleesha Tucker, education director from the Society of the Cincinnati, talked to me about the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. The Society of the Cincinnati was founded by Washington's officers in 1783; I was made an honorary member and am always honored to meet with them.

Keynote Address, Inauguration of James McCarthy as Suffolk's President

On December 4, 2012 we inaugurated James McCarthy as Suffolk's 9th President, at Faneuil Hall. I was asked to say a few words giving historical context, explaining the significance of this special place.

A Thanksgiving Poem

A special Thanksgiving presentation.

Why New England almost Seceded in 1814.

Radio Boston did this piece on New England's opposition to the War of 1812. Discussed the problems on a rainy morning in East Boston's Brophy Park, the site of Fort Strong in 1814.

Boston's Molasses Flood

The Travel Channel's "Mysteries at the Museum" did this nice brief piece on the molasses flood--great computer work showing what happened, some images, and an outstanding piece of fire equipment--filmed in the Boston Fire Museum on Congress Street.

Why does Massachusetts celebrate Patriot's Day?

Patriot's Day--now the 3rd Monday in April--may be best known for the Boston Marathon. But the date has much more significance.

South Boston History Slam 2012

The South Boston Historical Society had a "History Slam," visiting 5 schools with a team of re-enactors to get the kids excited about history. This was part of our Evacuation Day proceedings, commemorating the British evacuation of Boston, March 17, 1776--the first American victory in the war for independence.

The United States Constitution: A Biography

Here is a free, on-line course I am doing on the U.S. Constitution.

A Short History of Cape Cod--Long Point, Provincetown

Why do they call it Cape Cod? Izzy made this video at Long Point, as I try to explain. A great shot of the the Long Point light.

Paul Revere and Sarah Palin

Melissa Block from "All Things Considered" called to talk about Paul Revere.

What Historians can learn from Sarah Palin

I elaborate on this important topic in the New York Daily News, June 8.

The Boston Massacre, on Save Our History

"Save our History" came to Boston, and we re-enacted the Boston Massacre.

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Welcome

Robert Allison teaches history at Suffolk University and the Harvard Extension School. He is president of the South Boston Historical Society, vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. He lives in South Boston.

I am a Professor of History at Suffolk University in Boston, and also teach in the Harvard Extension School. I write about American history. My wife and I live in South Boston, and I am president of the South Boston Historical Society. I am also the vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and am involved with other history organizations.

Boston's Innovators

Bradley Jay from WBZ and I talk about some of Boston's inventors. Why has Boston been such an epicenter for innovation?

Atlas of Boston History, edited by Nancy Seasoholes

The Boston Atlas

Happy to be part of The Atlas of Boston History, edited by Nancy Seasholes.

Few American cities possess as long, rich, and fascinating history as Boston. A site of momentous national political events from the Revolutionary War through the civil rights movement, Boston is an influential literary and cultural capital. The Atlas of Boston History traces the city's history and geography from the last ice age to the present with beautiful maps.

Contributors
Robert J. Allison, Robert Charles Anderson, John Avault, Joseph Bagley, Charles Bahne, Laurie Baise, J. L. Bell, Rebekah Bryer, Aubrey Butts, Benjamin L. Carp, Amy D. Finstein, Gerald Gamm, Richard Garver, Katherine Grandjean, Michelle Granshaw, James Green, Dean Grodzins, Karl Haglund, Ruth-Ann M. Harris, Arthur Krim, Stephanie Kruel, Kerima M. Lewis, Noam Maggor, Dane A. Morrison, James C. O'Connell, Mark Peterson, Marshall Pontrelli, Gayle Sawtelle, Nancy S. Seasholes, Reed Ueda, Lawrence J. Vale, Jim Vrabel, Sam Bass Warner, Jay Wickersham, and Susan Wilson

Revolution 250

The Revolution happened in Massachusetts. Philadelphia is where they filled out the paperwork.

Revolution 250 is a consortium of history organizations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. John Adams said that the Revolution was accomplished before a drop of blood was spilled at Lexington.

Click the logo to find out more of the activities planned to commemorate the American Revolution's beginning.