Dr. Robert A. Bellinger, history professor emeritus, Suffolk University. Founder of Righting Histories, he is a public historian who works on African American history projects in Lexington, Concord, and other Massachusetts communities, and in Charleston, South Carolina.

Prince Estabrook: From Lexington Green to the Hudson River Valley

March 28, 2025

Robert A. Bellinger

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Early on the morning of April 19, 1775, approximately 70 men, all residents of Lexington, Massachusetts, gathered on the Town Green in response to the news that the British Regulars were approaching the town on their way to Concord to search for stores of ammunition. The Lexington men were members of the local militia responsible for protecting their community. Among those Lexingtonians was Prince Estabrook, a man of African descent who was enslaved by Benjamin Estabrook, another Lexingtonian. Whether or not Prince, or any of the other men, were aware of how the events of the morning would play out, it is certain that he did not envision that he was laying the foundation for a new nation. Even so, Prince embodied the events and issues of the day in a way that was distinct from the other men who gathered on the Green that April morning.

The Summer Issue is Here!

As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this issue explores the people, ideas, and stories that continue to shape its legacy. Inside, Professor Robert A. Gross offers fresh perspective in “A Referendum on Independence,” while a special foldout guide, “Following in Thoreau’s Footsteps,” invites you to explore the landscapes that inspired him. Discover an unexpected connection in “A Tale of Two Authors,” revisit the moving story of “A Hawthorne Homecoming,” and enjoy summer events, arts, and ways to experience Concord firsthand.

The Alcott Archives: A Door to Discovery and Joy

At the library’s public unveiling of the collections on March 28, 2026, renowned Alcott scholar Daniel Shealy observed that the new holdings encompass “numerous unpublished letters, hundreds of books, complete manuscripts, important presentation copies of books—most of them first editions—ephemera, photographs, first appearances of tales in periodicals, obscure and rare printings of books, and even unpublished journals.” According to Professor Shealy, the collections as a whole are “almost breathtaking in [their] scope and importance.”

A Commentary on Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution

Lucy Worsley, a historian and television presenter, is recognized for presenting complex historical topics in an accessible manner while maintaining their nuances. In the series Lucy Worsley Investigates, she undertakes the challenging task of explaining the ideological, political, and human dimensions of the American Revolution to a general audience. The series also addresses the significant chronological and military complexities of the conflict. This documentary is ambitious and frequently engaging, particularly in its examination of the intellectual and cultural origins of the Revolution.

Robert A. Bellinger

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Prince Estabrook: From Lexington Green to the Hudson River Valley