American Antiquarian Society
185 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
United States
Led by printing historian Andrew Volpe, this program will explore how printing technology and printed materials—including newspapers, pamphlets, and broadsides—helped fuel resistance to British rule and build support for independence. Volpe will discuss colonial debates over freedom of the press and freedom of speech, including the responsibility and accountability that come with exercising those freedoms. Attendees will be able to peruse examples of printed materials from the Revolutionary War period, as well as replicas of engravings by Paul Revere created by Volpe.
Prior to the program, take a guided tour of the library and see the eighteenth-century printing press used by AAS founder Isaiah Thomas to rouse his fellow patriots to rebel against the British. The optional, forty-five minute tour begins at 5:45 p.m. Learn more about public tours at AAS here. The tour is free, but registration is required. Click here to register.
Andrew Volpe is an artist, printer, and living history presenter based in Worcester, MA. In addition to studying intaglio/copperplate printing from 1450-1800, he works with the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA, giving presentations, tours and demos, and with the printing office of Edes & Gill, where he replicates prints of Paul Revere. When Volpe is not printing, he gives arms and armor presentations at the Worcester Art Museum.