This summer marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. Due to popular demand, the Congregational Library & Archives (CLA) will reopen its in-person exhibition, Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts for eight days in June, July, and August for free, walk-in viewing.
Sacred Rebellion highlights the stories of Massachusetts Congregationalists drawn from the CLA’s important collections. We hope you will make plans to visit and learn more about the connections between Congregationalism and the American Revolution.
By the time the war began, many Congregationalists had embraced a theological justification for war and revolution. They believed that God favored them and that their cause was a morally justified, sacred rebellion. Through sermons, books, poems, songs, and letters, Congregationalists shared their stories, reflected on their moral obligations to each other, and debated questions of liberty and loyalty. But consensus was elusive, and implementation proved difficult and unsatisfactory to many, especially those on the margins. These discussions shaped the legacy of Congregationalism and the way the Revolutionary War is remembered today, 250 years later.
Highlights from the exhibition include items connected to well-known Massachusetts historical figures such as Phillis Wheatley Peters, Jonathan Mayhew, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as materials from many lesser-known individuals such as Mary Counce, whose papers provide a rare look at a woman’s experiences living in Boston during the Revolutionary War, and a one-of-a-kind manuscript music book featuring hymns and patriotic songs created by a young woman named Abigail Cleaveland.
Sacred Rebellion: Congregationalists in Revolutionary Massachusetts will be open to the public at the Congregational Library & Archives from 11 am – 4 pm on June 26, July 2, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14. Admission is free, and booking is required for groups of 10 or more.
Additionally, Curator’s Tours will be available at 1 pm on July 2, July 10, July 24, July 31, August 7, and August 14, and tickets can be purchased for $5.
Find more information on the exhibition and related events at congregationallibrary.org/sacred-rebellion.
The Congregational Library & Archives is located at 14 Beacon Street, Boston on the second floor. It is a short walk from the Park Street, State, and Government Center subway stops. Elevators are available in the lobby. The exhibition and reading room are wheelchair accessible. Find more information about planning your visit at congregationallibrary.org/visit.
Book an appointment for a group tour by emailing info@14beacon.org or calling 617.523.0470 x102.
