Old Colony Historical Society is pleased to present:

 

A HISTORY OF TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS

 

by William F. Hanna

 

 

Now available in 2nd edition, released 2008

    

 

 

     Located in the heart of southeastern Massachusetts, Taunton has witnessed the full scope of American history for more than three and a half centuries. In this engaging new book, William F. Hanna vividly describes the life of the city and its people from the time of settlement in the 1630s to our own day. The vital role played by the Taunton River is fully explored here, as are the captains of industry who ushered in the city’s days as a textile center that was later known for its manufacture of silver, stoves and a host of other products. The coming of the railroad and the automobile are covered here, and the reader also meets a fascinating sample of the ship captains whose vessels left the Weir for Atlantic ports and beyond. This is the first full length treatment of Taunton’s history in more than a century, and within these pages are people who have never before appeared in any history of the city. For the first time, Taunton’s rich ethnic history is explored, as is the vital role that the city’s women have played throughout its past. A History of Taunton shines a light on more than three hundred years of local heroes, villains and everyday people, all with a story to tell.

 

     This book is the result of nine years of careful research by the author, who holds a PhD in History, and his lifetime pursuit of local historical subjects.  Dr. Hanna has written several other books and countless essays on both Taunton’s history and wider historical subjects including Abraham Lincoln, baseball, and the Andrea Doria.  William F. Hanna taught history in the Taunton public schools for thirty-seven years, including several as curriculum supervisor at Taunton High School.  After teaching part time at Bridgewater State College as well as at Endicott College, he remains a member of the adjunct faculty at Mount Wachusett Community College, where he is the associate director of the Teaching American History grant program.  He is also a vice president of the Old Colony Historical Society and a member of the board of trustees of the Taunton Public Library.  His other published work includes Abraham Among the Yankees: Abraham Lincoln’s 1848 Visit to Massachusetts and A History of Avon, Massachusetts, 1720-1988.

 

     A History of Taunton Massachusetts encompasses early European settlement in the 1630s through present day.  Selected images from the collections of the OCHS and Charles Crowley illustrate the text.  Fully indexed, the book is an excellent historical reference work that is also written with an engaging narrative style.  The beautifully designed book is 625 pages long in a 6 x 9 format, and printed on archival-quality recycled paper with durable covers and bindings.  All proceeds benefit the mission of the Old Colony Historical Society, which is to collect, care for and interpret the history of the Taunton region, collaborating with the community to share meaningful connections between the past, the present, and the future.

 

Hardcover cost:  $35.00

(plus tax and shipping if applicable)

 

Click here for order form

 

Please contact us at 508-822-1622 or e-mail for more information.

 

 

published by

 

Old Colony Historical Society

 

Publication made possible by our generous donors:

 

Bristol County Savings Bank, Taunton Development Corporation, Morton Hospital and Medical Center, Reed & Barton Silversmiths,

Rotary Club of Taunton, Taunton Federal Credit Union, and Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant.

 

Reviews
“It is clear that this teller of Taunton’s story has an infinite knowledge and a deep-rooted love of his subject.  The history—the people—the heart of this city beats in the pages of this book.  You will be glad you read it, and you will be proud to say you have a connection to Taunton, Massachusetts.”

--Dr. Cynthia Booth Ricciardi, OCHS President

 

“Bill Hanna doesn’t just research his topics, but he also immerses himself in the period so that it comes alive.  He is a fine writer, and history buffs will love this book!”

                                                --Michael Tougias, author of King Philip’s War, A Taunton River Journey, and Ten Hours Until Dawn

 

“Bill Hanna is one of the foremost experts on this history of the Taunton community.  Bill’s extensive research coupled with his extraordinary storytelling abilities make this book a great read for anyone who has made Taunton their home.”

                                                --Charles Crowley, host of Olde Tyme Taunton

 

“There are few writers of history who can make you keep turning the pages for more.  Dr. Bill Hanna has the unique talent of bringing past events alive again, and his carefully researched History of Taunton is reflective of the history of the country.  Whether you’re a history buff or not, this is a difficult book to put down.”

                                                --Ted Gay, Editor Emeritus, The Taunton Daily Gazette