The Canton Historical Society is beginning a project that will digitize and promote a local American Revolution-era diary.
The Historical Society recently received a substantial grant from Meet Boston, which promotes travel and tourism in the Boston metro area, to fund the project. The diary writer Rev. Samuel Dunbar is considered the eldest Son of Liberty and played a small but significant role in the nation’s founding. This included reading the Declaration of Independence from the pulpit at his church in Stoughton, which is now Canton. Dunbar’s diary is a useful firsthand account of the era and his views on the revolutionary mood of the time.
The diary is currently in fragile condition. The new project, officially called “Samuel Dunbar: The Unsung 'Eldest Son of Liberty' and Cornerstone of the Patriot Cause – Conserving and Digitizing American History - the Rev. Samuel Dunbar Diary” will include both fully digitizing the diary and creating a custom case for the original document. The digital archive will be available for both researchers and the public.
The Canton Historical Society is also planning a public event to celebrate the project and an exhibit on Dunbar’s life. Local organizations often use flyer printing services to promote their special events.
Those interested in the upcoming exhibit can check the Canton Historical Society’s website or sign up for its email newsletter for updates.
