In One April in Boston Ben admires his grandfather, an early Boston sea captain. Learn more about Captain Edwards and see what his vessels Sarah and Greyhound may have looked like. Young Ben wasn't told about his grandfather's most dangerous adventure until he was older. Discover how Captain Edwards battled pirates and became a prisoner on the high seas!

Learn what everyday life was like for the Edwards family in Colonial Boston. Discover how they cooked their food, homespun their clothing, stayed warm in winter, made use of candlelight and more. You’ll also see what the Edwards home may have looked like, and view photos of its modern day location (just three blocks from the Old North Church).

In One April in Boston young Ben works in his uncle's cabinetmaking shop and eventually becomes a cooper. You'll discover more about colonial trades and visit Alexander Edwards' cabinetmaking shop, Ben's cooper shop and the printing shop where Benjamin Edes and John Gill produced the weekly issue of the Boston Gazette.

Ben Edwards lived in Boston from 1765-1808. During that time, several newspapers were published in the growing community. In 1784, when Ben was 19, the Massachusetts Centinel began publication. Its name changed to the Columbian Centinel in 1790. View original articles and advertisements from this historic newspaper just as Ben would have over 200 years ago! This section also contains press coverage of the Declaration of Independence.