Seeds of Freedom: A Vision for America

Boston Public Library is kicking off the James Phinney Baxter Lecture Series on Thursday, November 10, in Rabb Hall at the Central Library in Copley Square with the premiere of the film Seeds of Freedom: A Vision for America. The film presents a revolutionary look at the synthesis between European colonists and the American Indian in the evolution of American democracy, mind, and spirit. At the event, Mohawk elder Tom Porter and Pilgrim Scholar Gary Marks will present insights into the Iroquois Great Law and the Pilgrim vision for humanity as they apply to today and the future. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a meet and greet with Tom Porter, Gary Marks, and the filmmaker followed by the film screening at 6 p.m. and a discussion led by film director Andrew Cameron Bailey.

Film Synopsis: Eminent philanthropist/historian James Phinney Baxter (1831-1921) believed that America must embody the high ideals of New England’s original settlers if it is to become a global exemplar of liberty, equality, and justice. In 1921 he left a bequest instructing Boston to build a Pantheon to perpetuate the founding ideals and principles. Baxter’s great-great-granddaughter Connie Baxter Marlow adds a missing piece – the role of the American Indian in the evolution of democracy and the American mind and spirit. The film is written, directed, and produced by Andrew Cameron Bailey and Connie Baxter Marlow of Cameron/Baxter Films. View a trailer for the film here.

The Baxter Project Team has produced books, films, photography exhibitions, and talks over the past 25 years to bring the Pilgrim vision and the Native American voice, heart, and spirit forward.

About James Phinney Baxter: James Phinney Baxter felt there must be a New England Pantheon or Temple of Honor to house a pictorial record of the deeds and ideals of the founders of New England. He was well aware of “the persistent attempt to defame and belittle the Pilgrim and the Puritan” before and during 1920, the 300th Anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. In 1921 Mr. Baxter bequeathed money to the City of Boston with the specification that in the future it would be used to build the Pantheon. A portion of the fund has been used to create The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement and supports the James Phinney Baxter Lecture Series.

About The James Phinney Baxter Lecture Series: The James Phinney Baxter Lecture Series is dedicated to Baxter’s vision of America – realizing its promise of liberty, justice and equality for all. The series will be held semi-annually leading up to 2020 – the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. The Lecture Series will include subjects that promote the commemorative and public understanding of the history of the settlement of and immigration to New England, past and present.

About BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Boston Public Library has a Central Library, twenty-four branches, map center, business library, and a website filled with digital content and services. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts thousands of programs and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibitions are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit bpl.org.