The Colonial Society of Massachusetts
Summer Seminar 2026
Thinking and Teaching Early American History
June 29 - July 1, 2026
The Colonial Society of Massachusetts, in collaboration with the Society of Colonial Wars, is sponsoring a three-day Summer Institute focused on the Revolutionary Period using the the Colonial Society’s extensive resources, followed up with a fall one day Seminar on historical thinking and writing with a senior scholar. Designed for 5th -12th grade History and Social Studies educators, this Summer Institute will offer Professional Development Points through the Massachusetts Council for the Social Studies as well as a stipend for each attendee who turns in a completed lesson ($1250) and attends the fall Seminar ($250). Lessons may also be published on the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and the Society of Colonial Wars websites.
To learn more about the focus of the Summer Institute, please explore the extensive “Publications” and newly established “Documents” pages of the website of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts here: https://www.colonialsociety.org/
Each day will begin with a Seminar led by a leading scholar and member of the Colonial Society on the topic, followed by an examination f CSM Publications related to each time frame. Participants will collaborate and work independently to structure lessons using the CSM Publications.
Monday, June 29 Native America & 17th Century Early America
Tuesday, June 30 18th Century Atlantic America
Wednesday, July 1 Revolutionary America
Fall Seminar TBD Historical Thinking & Writing
Goals:
• To make accessible digital primary and secondary resources of The Colonial Society of Massachusetts
• To empower middle and secondary teachers building curriculum using these digital resources, including providing lectures and current historiographic scholarship (via CSM member guest participants)
• To generate well-crafted UBD (understanding by design) lessons that are content-rich and skills-based as well as student-centered that demand students read, contextualized, analyze, and se primary sources; and to share these on the CSM and SCW-MA websiteBy the end of the 2026 Summer Institute, participants will have created:
• A lesson or resource based on the digital Collections of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts that they will use in teaching and learning
• An enhanced understanding of recent historiography of Early America and the Revolutionary Period
• Skills for teaching rich and engaging primary sources of Colonial America
Eligibility
Public and Independent School educators are encouraged to apply, particularly those who teach between 5th and 12th grade history and social studies.
Expectations
The seminar will meet in-person at the Colonial Society headquarters, 87 Mount Vernon Street, Beacon Hill, Boston. Attendance from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day
Final project must be completed by July 13, 2026.
Lessons will be considered for publication on the Colonial Society website as well as the Society of Colonial Wars website.
Model lessons with a CSM leader in the classroom during the fall of 2026.
Applying
To apply, please use include the following:
• A cover letter of interest and goals including how participation will enhance your teaching and learning in the classroom (no more than 500 words)
• A list of your specific interests in these periods of colonial history
• A current CV or resume
• Send to: Charles L. Newhall, chair, Summer Institute: [email protected]
Deadline: Monday, April 20, 2026
Host Sponsors: The Colonial Society of Massachusetts & The Society of Colonial Wars in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Sponsors: The New England History Teachers’ Association, The Massachusetts Council for the Social Studies
To download a pdf copy of this announcement, select Seminar 2026 Description.pdf