Back to School on Federal Street

September is synonymous with “Back to School” and with that comes the opportunity to share some education related materials in our Collection Spotlight case. This month, our items take us to Federal Street in Boston in 1797, where we are highlighting materials that represent two schools found on that street: Memoir of Mrs. Rowson, published in 1870 and about the founder of a girls school, and Regulations for the Government of the School in Federal Street, published in Boston in 1797. Both Mrs. Rowson’s school and the Federal School came to be not long after Massachusetts passed “An Act To Provide For The Instruction Of Youth, And For The Promotion Of Good Education” in 1789.

Schools in the 1790s would have been segregated by gender, and we know from the language of the Regulations for the Government of the School in Federal Street that this was a school for boys. The small pamphlet is only sixteen pages long and includes thirty articles adopted for the governance of the school and pupils. A notation at the end reads that at a meeting of the proprietors on September 13, 1797 the articles were voted on and adopted. You may notice that some of them are marked with an asterisks, this indicates that these articles are permanent, and do not need to be voted on again in the future. We are displaying the pamphlet open to the two pages that include Articles 3 through 8, which primarily address appropriate school behavior. It appears that the Federal School was rather strict and the students were held to a high standard! Three of the articles are transcribed below:

Article VI: That Silence be considered as an essential preliminary to the business of the day, and that no conversation be permitted in the School, but such as immediately relates to it.

 Article VII: That all kinds of social or private Amusement, during the hours appointed for Study or Instruction, be considered a transgression of the Rules.

 Article VIII*: That any Scholar who shall break a square of glass, or any of the furniture of the Academy, such as desks, benches, &c. shall be required immediately to repair it; or, in default, to pay twice the cost of such repairs.

We doubt that Articles VI and VII would be very popular with students today!

After reading through all the regulations, we tried to find additional information about the school. A search of Federal Street School or even “schools on Federal Street” did not turn up any information. A stamp on the interior pages indicates that the State Library acquired this item on December 29, 1887, so with that information we checked the section in the 1888 annual report that lists additions to the collections, in case that listing included any identifying information. Unfortunately, the annual report did not shed any light, as the pamphlets listing simply reads “School in Federal Street, Regulations for the government of the school. Bost., 1797.” It’s possible that this was a short-lived institution, or not one that was formally established. 

A school on Federal Street that we could find a reference to is Mrs. Susanna Rowson’s Academy for Young Ladies, which also dates to 1797. Susanna Rowson was born in England but immigrated to Boston at age five; she was an actress, author, playwright, and an educator and early proponent of education for females. Over the course of thirty years, she lived in Canada, England, and Philadelphia before returning to Boston 1797. It was at this time that she established the girls school on Federal Street, which was the first of its kind in Boston. We’re displaying her memoir open to the page that describes the school's first year:

On leaving the stage in the spring of 1797, Mrs. Rowson, under the patronage of Mrs. Samuel Smith, began a school in Federal street, and with but a single pupil, Mrs. Smith’s adopted daughter, continued it for one whole term. She was known in Boston only as a novel writer, as an actress – how could children be confided to her care? But the light cannot be hid; her motto was "tant que je puis," and persevering steadily, she came before the close of the scholastic year to number one hundred pupils on her daily roll; and applications were received for more than she could possibly accommodate.

The image of Susanna Rowson shown above is also found in her memoir. The school relocated to Medford and Newton before returning to Boston in 1809.

Beyond these two items, the State Library holds an impressive collection of education focused materials, in part because in its early days as a research library, it was under the care of the Board of Education. From 1849 until 1893, the Secretary of the Board of Education also served as the State Librarian. Check out the links below to read about some of the items that we’ve shared in past years, click here to read through an education timeline, and visit us from September 8 through October 7 to see these two items on display.

Elizabeth Roscio
Preservation Librarian

Historical Textbooks, 1775 through 1828

"Rules and regulations for the public schools in Quincy: also, some remarks on the due observance of the rules, addressed to parents.” Quincy School Committee, September 1, 1835

“Rules and Regulations to be observed by the Teachers of the Public Schools in Dorchester” and “Order of Exercises at the Dedication of the Building and Installation of the Teacher of the High School” Dorchester Public Schools, 1810 and 1852

On Display in the State Library - Back to School!

Whether students are excited to begin a new year or are lamenting the end of summer (or maybe a combination of both), September is synonymous with going back to school! At the State Library, we’re marking the start of a new school year by sharing three historical textbooks in our Collection Spotlight case. On display are A Short Introduction to English Grammar (1775), Pestallozzian Primer (1827), and National Spelling Book and Pronouncing Tutor (1828). Technically, these books are primers, which are the early learning books that are used to teach the foundations of reading and writing.

Clockwise from top left: Pestallozzian Primer (1827), National Spelling Book and

Pronouncing Tutor (1828), A Short Introduction to English Grammar (1775)

Massachusetts has played a strong role in the advancement of education and educational resources over the years and is the home of many educational “firsts.” More about the history of education in the Commonwealth can be found in our 2023 online exhibit. One of the “firsts” noted in that exhibit is the 1687 publishing of The New England Primer, which was the first textbook published for children in the colonies. Though we do not have any early printings of this source in our collection, we do have later editions of The New England Primer - it was in production and used in schools all the way into the 1900s!

One of the oldest primers in our collection is A Short Introduction to English Grammar: With Critical Notes, which was published in 1775 in Philadelphia. It was compiled by the Right Reverend Robert Lowth the Lord Bishop of Oxford, who noted an absence in teaching textbooks for grammar and strove to correct that by producing a grammar primer. Originally published in 1762, this text is considered one of the most influential sources on English grammar. It is interesting to note that when it was originally published, it was not intended for children, but within a few years it was adapted to serve as a primer, and it was used in schools through the twentieth-century.

The title page of Pestallozzian Primer, or, First Step in Teaching Children the Art of Reading and Thinking includes the quote, “Teach a child to think, and give him the words by which he may retain and communicate his thoughts, and you will have more than half completed his intellectual education.” This primer was published in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1827 and the lessons follow the work of  Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827), a Swiss education reformer. As stated in the preface, the lessons focus on creating a “habit of thinking and of understanding what is read.” Rather than the straight grammar and spelling lessons found in other primers, this approach encourages the student to think beyond rules. For example, when learning to read and spell the word “apple” the student is also asked questions like, “Where does the apple grow? Name the parts of the apple? How may it taste?” Notice in the picture that the thinking lessons include a notation that reads, "these lessons will very much relieve the fatigue of mere spelling and reading business." We're sure that students enjoyed the break from rote memorization!

Of the three displayed books, only the National Spelling Book and Pronouncing Tutor was published here in Boston, or more specifically, not too far from the State House at 133 Washington Street. It was printed in 1828 and compiled by B.D. Emerson, who was the principal of the Adams Grammar School, also in Boston. According to the title page, the primer is designed for use in schools throughout the United States and follows Walker’s principles of grammar. This refers to the work of lexicographer John Walker (English, 1732 – 1807) who also taught elocution. This primer explains how to pronounce each syllable of certain words (or groups of words), and also provides spelling lessons.

For the past few years, the State Library has marked the beginning of the school year by displaying some historical education resources from our collection. Revisit our 2023 display, where we shared “Rules and Regulations to be observed by the Teachers of the Public Schools in Dorchester” (1810) and “Order of Exercises at the Dedication of the Building and Installation of the Teacher of the High School” (Dorchester, 1852), and our 2022 display, where we shared an 1835 Quincy School Committee circular with advice for teachers and parents as the school year began. Be sure to visit us from September 5 to October 1 to see this year’s display!

Elizabeth Roscio

Preservation Librarian

On Display in the State Library

From kindergarten to college, students in the Commonwealth are heading back to school! With that in mind, this month we're sharing two circulars associated with public schools in Dorchester in the 1800s – visit us to see “Rules and Regulations to be observed by the Teachers of the Public Schools in Dorchester” (1810) and “Order of Exercises at the Dedication of the Building and Installation of the Teacher of the High School” (Dorchester, 1852).

Dorchester was annexed into Boston in 1870, but when these two circulars were issued it was a separate town that had been founded in 1630. Its educational history dates to that period, too – the Mather School, which is the oldest public elementary school in North America, was established in Dorchester in 1639. The school was named after Richard Mather, a Congregational minister who had emigrated to Dorchester from England in 1635. The original Mather School was a one-room schoolhouse, and though the building has changed over the years, the Mather School is still in existence as an elementary school serving students in grades K through 5.

171 years after the founding of the Mather School, the displayed circular (above) was issued to teachers in Dorchester’s public schools. The notice is divided into ten rules or guidelines, with a notation that it was “first passed on August 26, 1805; with amendments and additions, June 27, 1810.” The regulations include instruction to begin the day with a devotional, which books are recommended for each grade, the school schedule, relationship between the School Master and School Committee, and how to assess if children are ready for school, as follows:

“Children are not to be admitted to the Schools, till, they are able to stand up, and read words of two syllables, and keep their places."

On the back of the circular is a handwritten notation of “Mr. Lemuel Crane” and “5 School District,” who we assume was recipient of this notice. A brief search of Lemuel Crane revealed an entry in the Hyde Park Historical Register on the Butler School, which was founded in 1786 and listed a Lemuel Crane as assisting with the endeavor. Since Hyde Park was part of Dorchester at the time, we can speculate that this was the same Lemuel Crane who received the public school circular. The article went on to say that Lemuel Crane also served as a Representative for the 5th District in the General Court. You can read the full article on the Hyde Park Historical Society’s website (pages 9-12).

Jumping forward in time, we are also displaying a circular from the dedication of Dorchester High School, which occurred on December 7, 1852. The program for the dedication was as follows: remarks from the Chairman of the Building Committee, a reply and address by the Chairman of the School Committee, a prayer, a hymn sung by the pupils, an address to the pupils, a poem, another hymn sung by the pupils, and finally an introduction of the teacher followed by remarks from the teacher. That sounds like a long program, so we hope that there were also some refreshments on hand for the attendees! Take a close look at the image to see the content of the two hymns.

Last year, we marked the beginning of the school year by displaying the rules and regulations for Quincy Public Schools, published in 1835. You can read about that circular, and the textbooks that were displayed alongside it, here. And be sure to visit us through September 28 to see these Dorchester circulars on display in our main reading room. Happy back to school!

Elizabeth Roscio

Preservation Librarian

“Married-Teacher Rule”

First page of results from the 1952 annual report of the
Massachusetts department of Education

Did you know that in the 19th century through the mid-20th century cities and towns throughout the United States, and even elsewhere in the world, had rules in place that prevented married women from holding permanent teaching positions? Such a rule seems very strange today, however the practice was pretty common and Massachusetts was no exception.  The general belief was that such full-time employment caused married women to neglect their responsibilities as homemakers.  This of course caused high turnover rates in the school systems as many female teachers were forced to submit their resignations once they married.

The Massachusetts Department of Education attempted to gather data on which cities and towns in the Commonwealth were still enforcing the “Married-Teacher Rule” by sending questionnaires out to all of the municipalities.  The Department’s 1950 and 1952 annual reports include their findings, and while many localities still officially had the rule on the books, by 1951 a great number of school systems noted that they had either suspended or no longer observed it.  One of the largest factors effecting the suspension or laxity of the rule was World War II and subsequent shortages of teachers in certain parts of the state.

One particular note regarding the city of Northampton in the 1952 annual report reads:  “Up to the time the questionnaire was sent out, Northampton did not appoint married women as permanent teachers, but there was to be a referendum on the city ballot this past November.”  The year 1951 ended up being a turning point for the city of Northampton:  chapter 653 of the acts of 1951 allowed the city to “ascertain the will of the voters” via a ballot question regarding “married women teachers being employed on a permanent basis and with the same tenure rights as single women teachers in the public schools.”  The result of the referendum on the November ballot was overwhelmingly in favor of the married teachers.

Links to the full reports with results:
1950 report:  https://archive.org/stream/annualreport114mass#page/n143/mode/2up
1952 report:  https://archive.org/stream/annualreport116mass#page/n189/mode/2up

Kaitlin Connolly
Reference Department

100 Years of Scouting in the US

Today marks the centennial of the founding of the Girl Scouts! Inevitably, you’ve already munched on a Girl Scout cookie or two this year, but the organization is about so much more than selling treats. For 100 years the Girl Scouts have been a place for girls to learn about the importance of community, leadership, and independence, all while spending time amongst great friends.

One hundred years ago, Juliette Gordon Low brought girl scouting to the United States after meeting Scout Movement founder Sir Robert Baden Powell. Low met the “Chief Scout” while summering in Scotland in 1910, and the two became fast friends based on their mutual love of the outdoors. Low admired Baden Powell’s work with the Boy Scouts, and learned a girls’ scouting movement had begun in the form of Girl Guides. Enthusiastic about the cause, Low started a handful of small scouting companies in Scotland and London alongside Agnes Baden Powell, Sir Robert’s sister and the informal head of the Girl Guides.

Through scouting, young girls were given the opportunity to learn and refine useful skills like first aid, cooking, and sewing, and were also able to experience the joys of nature through camping, bird watching, hiking, and more. The program was a huge success, and was met with equal fervor when Low brought the idea back to the United States in 1912. By 1916, enrollment had grown to 3,000 girls and the organization was still expanding.

Girls in the US were no strangers to social groups, though; another scouting group called the Camp Fire Girls had informal roots reaching back to 1910, and a US division of the Girls’ Friendly Society was started in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1877.

Girl Scouting reached Boston in 1913, and with the eventual help of prominent social figure Helen Storrow, grew into a great success. Massachusetts had over 3,000 girls enrolled by the time they had opened a state headquarters in 1917, and the organization had such a presence within the state that the Girl Scouts held their national meeting in Boston in 1934.
Today, there are so many Girl Scouts in Massachusetts they are managed by two separate organizations, with over 45,000 scouts in Eastern Massachusetts alone. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts will be holding a Forever Green Gala Celebration as part of their centennial activities on Thursday, March 29th. To learn more about the Girl Scouts visit http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/.

To find out more about educational organizations, girls’ interest groups, Juliette Low, and the Girl Scouts, visit the Reference Department at the State Library to see select materials. Avid researchers will even find the original recipe for the first Girl Scout cookie!

The State Library of Massachusetts is open from 9 to 5, Monday through Friday.


Bianca Hezekiah
Program Coordinator, Reference Department

Charter Schools

Massachusetts Charter Schools were established by the Education Reform Act of 1993. These schools are granted a charter by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The charters are for a five year period.

Charter schools have the freedom of hiring, curriculum, teaching methods, and budgets among other facets of the school.

For those communities that are seeking information and guidance about charter schools in Massachusetts, the State Library has a collection of the applications, prospectuses and annual reports of the charter schoools.

Bette Siegel
Government Documents Librarian

High School Dropouts

The Massachusetts Department of Education's 2007-2008 annual dropout report provides education leaders with data to develop and strengthen prevention programs. Entitled High School Dropouts 2007-08, Massachusetts Public Schools, rates are taken from one year of statistics for grades nine through twelve. These are broken down by race/ethnicity and gender, school type, special populations, and summer/school year. Trends over time and final enrollment status of those in the latest count are presented. The appendices track annual dropout rate by district and school beginning in 2000 and by grade, gender, and race/ethnicity for individual school districts in 2007-2008.

Campus Violence: Prevention and Response

This extensive report deals with campus violence and is divided into four major sections. The fourth section deals with specific recommendations.

The report was produced for the Department of Higher Education by Applied Risk Management.

-Bette Siegel, Government Documents Librarian

Ready for 21st Century Success

The Commonwealth's Readiness Project on the future of public education is the focus of this report. There are more details online.

The report contains subcommittee reports relating to both teachers and students and contains an action agenda.

The report is one of the highlights of Governor Patrick's administration.

-Bette Siegel, Government Documents Librarian