By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
Local news journalist Ted Reinstein brought stories of New England history to life at the Walpole Public Library on Monday, August 31, with a presentation exploring the line between fact and folklore surrounding the American Revolution.
The program, “Fact vs. Folklore: 250th,” was held in the library’s Community Room as part of events commemorating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The presentation was sponsored by the Friends of the Walpole Public Library, the Walpole Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Reinstein, known for his work with the television program “Chronicle,” focused on unusual and often misunderstood stories from New England’s revolutionary history.
Among the figures discussed was Samuel Adams, whom Reinstein described as one of the most influential voices of the American Revolution. Adams was a founder of the Sons of Liberty and became known to the British as a “wild man,” despite having attended Harvard at age 14 and later serving as governor of Massachusetts.
Reinstein also explored the connection between Samuel Adams and his cousin, John Adams. Although the two were not particularly close, they are often viewed as bookends of the American Revolution. John Adams helped articulate the revolution through his writing, while Samuel Adams brought passion and political energy to the cause.
The presentation also touched on the famous story of Samuel Adams beer. Reinstein highlighted the popular saying that while Adams was fermenting beer during the day, he was fermenting revolution at night, while noting the distinction between historical fact and later folklore.
Boston’s historic taverns also figured into the presentation. Reinstein discussed the Green Dragon Tavern, which has long been associated with the planning of revolutionary activities, including the Boston Tea Party. He also mentioned Bell in Hand Tavern, located across the street from the Green Dragon, and Boston’s historic Granary Burying Ground, where Samuel Adams is buried.
Another prominent revolutionary figure discussed was Paul Revere, whose famous midnight ride represents only one part of his remarkable career.
Revere was a silversmith by trade and also worked numerous side jobs to support his large family. He had 16 children, making additional sources of income particularly important.
Reinstein also explored the controversy surrounding Revere’s famous depiction of the Boston Massacre. Revere reproduced an engraving originally created by Henry Pelham and sold copies of the image, helping establish the visual narrative surrounding the 1770 massacre.
Pelham, who had created the original image, had the opportunity to pursue Revere over the unauthorized reproduction but did not do so. Instead, he wrote Revere a strongly worded letter expressing his anger over the incident.
Reinstein noted that Revere’s famous midnight ride five years later helped cement his place in American history, although the silversmith's life and revolutionary activities extended far beyond that single event.
Through stories of Adams, Revere and other figures, Reinstein's presentation examined how historical events can become embellished over time, offering attendees a closer look at the people and places behind some of New England’s best-known revolutionary stories.
