From Propaganda to People: Rethinking the Boston Massacre

Hosts Sophia and Maia revisit a lecture on Serena Zabin's The Boston Massacre, A Family History, exploring how personal relationships between Bostonians and stationed British soldiers complicate the familiar story of the March 5, 1770 event. Rather than a straightforward massacre, the episode examines propaganda, local ties, trials, and the gray areas behind historical narratives. Through anecdotes, historical context, and reflections on how history is taught, the hosts unpack how this pivotal incident was shaped by neighbors, families, and political motives — and why human stories matter in understanding the past and the importance of looking at the past when planning for the future.