What began as a routine field trip to three historic sites in Boston, ended in a major historic discovery this spring.  It was a fateful day on May 4, 2006, when Windsor 7 students from King Middle School in Portland, Maine discovered a cache of journals from many different colonial figures dating back to American Revolutionary times. These journals contain previously undocumented information about the four sparks that contributed to the beginning of the American Revolution.  The journals tell the stories behind the Death and Funeral of Christopher Seider, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Ride of Paul Revere. While visiting historical sites relevant to the colonial period they were studying, the students ended their tour at the Old State House. 

It was there that one of the students came upon a loosened brick in the building's foundation.  Upon removal was revealed an old, musty case which contained the letters and journals of many different colonial peoples: from Loyalists to Patriots, indentured servants to slaves, and even British soldiers to members of the Sons of Liberty.  The discovery was tremendous!

    The Windsor 7 students have had a chance to read through these historic writings, and now you can too. In this issue, explore over 70 journal entries and letters, each telling a first-hand account of life in Boston during pre-American Revolutionary times.  You will gain insight into the struggles of day-to-day life as well as the challenges of living in conflict with an enemy nation.  These stories are guaranteed to knock your musket out of your hands and blow your wig and tri-cornered hat off of your head!