Profiles in Courage: Anne Hutchinson

On Wednesday, May 21st, at 7pm at the Adams Academy, Quincy Historical Society will host a special screening of the 1965 television series Profiles in Courage with an episode highlighting the infamous trial of Anne Hutchinson, a 17th century religious leader in colonial Massachusetts with ties to Quincy’s early Mount Wollaston settlement.

In 1636 the Massachusetts Bay Colony faced its first existential crisis. At its heart stood a woman, Anne Marbury Hutchinson – the daughter of a minister, and an outspoken religious leader in her own right. When two political forces vied for dominance over the young colony, Hutchinson faced a question of moral integrity – denounce her beliefs and remain a respected and wealthy member of her community or hold fast to her truths and lose everything.

In 1963 Anne Hutchinson’s story was selected to be featured in a television adaptation of John F. Kennedy’s book Profiles in Courage. Hutchinson is played brilliantly by legendary British actress Dame Wendy Hiller.

This program will screen the Anne Hutchinson episode of Profiles in Courage, followed by a freewheeling discussion about the film, the “Antinomian Controversy”, life in Puritan Massachusetts, and the legacy of Anne Hutchinson’s principled stand for religious civil liberties.

This program is part of Quincy Historical Society’s year-long celebrations of Quincy’s 400th anniversary. This event is open to all, and free to attend.