Join us this summer at our campus in downtown Boston and immerse yourself in the rich history of Boston’s colonial and Revolutionary eras—while learning about the field of public history and its many exciting career paths along the way.
Suffolk University Summer Public History Institute
Travel back in time with the inaugural Suffolk University Summer Public History Institute—a 2-week day program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Through historical site visits, small group discussions, and behind-the-scenes museum tours, we’ll consider Boston’s Revolutionary legacy, and the role we all play in ensuring America’s ongoing journey toward freedom, equality, and liberty for all. Guided by expert history and art & design faculty, students will learn valuable skills in historical research, museum studies, and digital interpretation. Their studies will culminate in the creation of individualized digital exhibits using their very own Meta Quest unit, a cutting-edge virtual reality technology, which each student will get to keep!
During the program, students will gain hands-on, unparalleled access to some of the Boston area’s most celebrated museums and historic sites, including the Freedom Trail, Revolutionary Spaces, Old North Church, the John F. Kennedy Library, and historic archaeological and building sites related to African American History and the Salem witchcraft trials. You’ll also network with Suffolk University alumni who have built careers leading the area’s cultural institutions.
Come make your way with us as you build new friendships, forge professional networks, and bring the past to life in the present.
Sample Travel Day Schedule
| Time | Events |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9 a.m. | Arrival |
| 9-9:30 a.m. | Travel to site visit (on foot or via T or chartered bus) |
| 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Sample site visit: Paul Revere House and Old North Church |
| 12:30-1 p.m. | Return to campus |
| 1-2 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2-3 p.m. | Small group discussion |
| 3-3:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Technology workshop or studio time for digital exhibit creation |
| 4:30-5 p.m. | Dismissal/pick up |
Program Dates: July 10-21, 2023
Sessions meet Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Transportation to and from campus is the responsibility of participants and families.
Note: This is not an overnight/residential program and housing is not provided.
Program Cost
The Suffolk University Summer Public History Institute costs $2,500. Lunch and transportation to all site visits are included in the program cost. A 10% discount will be offered to registrants who pay in full by the April 14 priority registration deadline.
Note: A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your spot in the program and will be applied towards payment of the total bill. If the student decides not to attend the program, the $500 deposit will not be refunded.
Registration for the Summer Public History Institute is now open!
Important Deadlines
- April 14: Priority registration deadline; non-refundable $500 deposit due (a 10% discount will be offered to registrants who pay in full by April 14)
- May 15: Balance due for all registered participants
- June 1: Final deadline for all paperwork and last day to request a refund (minus non-refundable $500 deposit)
- June 14: Optional Zoom information session and Q&A with program director and staff
If you have questions about this summer program, or want to learn more, please email Lauren Nolfo-Clements, Associate Dean, Administration, Operations & Planning. To check on the status of your registration, email Erik Gullard, Associate Director of Admissions.