Old North Illuminated to Host Talk on Puritan Legacy in New England

Historian Lori Rogers-Stokes to explore how 17th century Puritans continue to shape modern-day New England

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Old North Illuminated, a nonprofit that stewards the historic Old North Church site in Boston, is hosting an online conversation with historian Lori Rogers-Stokes on Wednesday, March 25th from 7-8:30 PM. The event, titled "Puritan New England... 2026?", will examine how the religious and cultural influence of the Puritans continues to echo across the New England region centuries after their time.

Why it matters

The Puritans were a dominant force in shaping the culture and identity of New England, and their legacy remains deeply embedded in the region today. This event provides an opportunity for modern-day New Englanders to reconsider and better understand the enduring impact of the Puritan movement.

The details

Dr. Rogers-Stokes will highlight three key ideas from 17th century Puritan culture that are still prevalent in New England today. The virtual event is part of Old North Illuminated's ongoing public history programming and community dialogue initiatives. Attendees can access the event with a donation of any amount to support the nonprofit organization.

  • The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

The players

Old North Illuminated

A nonprofit organization that stewards the historic Old North Church site in Boston, Massachusetts.

Lori Rogers-Stokes

A historian who will be the featured speaker at the "Puritan New England... 2026?" event, exploring the lasting influence of Puritanism in the New England region.

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What they’re saying

“Centuries after the last Puritan lived here, their influence continues to echo across the region.”

— Lori Rogers-Stokes, Historian (patch.com)

What’s next

Attendees can register for the virtual event by visiting the Old North Illuminated website at https://www.oldnorth.com/events/.

The takeaway

This event provides an opportunity for modern New Englanders to gain a deeper understanding of how the religious and cultural legacy of the 17th century Puritans continues to shape the region today, even centuries later.