Old North Illuminated Presents “A Resistance History of the United States” with Historian Tad Stoermer

BOSTON – Join Old North Illuminated for a thought-provoking online conversation with public historian Tad Stoermer examining the role of resistance in shaping American history. Set for Thursday, January 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Stoermer will draw from his forthcoming book, A Resistance History of the United States, in which he challenges familiar stories of the American past, arguing that the nation was shaped not by shared liberty, but by ongoing struggles between resistance and power. Through key moments such as Bacon’s Rebellion and Metacomet’s War, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Underground Railroad, he explores how resistance movements exposed the limits of freedom and pushed back against systems of oppression. These stories reveal how myths, selective memory, and institutional silence have long protected abusive power—and what we can learn from past resistance as we confront injustice today. The program is part of Old North Illuminated’s ongoing commitment to public history and community dialogue. This virtual event is accessible with a donation of any amount to support Old North Illuminated, the nonprofit that stewards Old North Church Historic Site. The 2026 Speaker Series is brought to you in part by HUB Town Tours. To register, please visit: https://www.oldnorth.com/events/.