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"Heads of Families and Men of Substance"- The Rise of the Merrimack Valley Minute Men.
In October 1774, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress instructed towns throughout the colony to prepare for imminent conflict with England. In response, the Merrimack Valley, in particular, adopted a wartime stance, forming minute companies, stockpiling weapons, ammunition, and supplies, and establishing a defense network ready to mobilize if British forces advanced from Boston. Join Alexander Cain as he explores the Merrimack Valley's reaction, focusing on Amesbury's response, to the British threat and delves into the formation of the Massachusetts militia and the minuteman system just before the battles of Lexington and Concord and their service record at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
About the speaker
Alexander Cain is a highly respected and sought-after speaker known for his insightful lectures on the military and social dynamics of 1775 Massachusetts. He has authored multiple research articles that have illuminated the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of loyalist refugees during the American Revolution. Additionally, Alex has published two books: We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution and I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War: A History of McAlpin's Corps of Loyal American Volunteers During the Burgoyne Campaign. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast “Historical Nerdery.” Currently, he is working on his next book, titled For God's Sake Fire! The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of Lexington and Concord. Alex directs a vocational program in the Merrimack Valley region that introduces high school students to advanced manufacturing and skilled trades careers. He resides in Merrimac, Massachusetts with his wife, Paula, and they have two adult children, John and Abigail.
Since settling in Amesbury in 1992, Bruce McBrien has been a tireless advocate for the town’s history, industry, and community spirit. His deep affection for Amesbury is evident in the countless ways he has volunteered, educated, and inspired others over the past three decades.
Bruce’s community engagement began in the early 1990s with local scouting, where he served as a den leader for several years. He organized field trips, pinewood derbies, camping and biking adventures, and continues to mentor Eagle Scout candidates to this day.
As a technology teacher at Amesbury Elementary School (AES) beginning in the mid-1990s, Bruce played a pivotal role in designing and constructing the school’s art and computer rooms. Over his 27-year teaching career, he led before-school clubs including Newspaper Club, Chess Club, and Coding Club, investing extraordinary time and energy into enriching student life.
Bruce also created and maintained a nature trail behind AES, transforming it into an outdoor classroom. He launched the school’s recycling program, diverting thousands of pounds of waste from landfills. His innovative food rescue initiative—recognized with the AEFI Stroke of Genius Award—donated nearly 50 pounds of food weekly to local pantries and was adopted by other schools within the district and beyond.
His dedication to education has earned him multiple honors, including the Amesbury Rotary Club’s Teacher of the Year Award (2009) and the Peter Gray Friend of Education Award from AEFI (2024).
Beyond the classroom, Bruce has served as a non-voting member of the School Committee, contributed to the AES Building Committee (2023), and currently sits on the Amesbury Youth Funding Committee. He collaborated with Amesbury Carriage Museum to design the History Wall at the new Shay School and fostered connections between students, teachers, and the museum. Notably, he was the first educator to introduce students to Amesbury’s own George McNeil and his fight for the 8-hour workday.
Bruce’s environmental stewardship is equally impressive. As founder and long-time president of the Lake Gardner Improvement Association (LGIA), he has led efforts to enhance and preserve the lake and surrounding trails. His leadership has resulted in boardwalk construction, beach redesign, pollinator gardens, water testing, and a wide array of community events—from clean-up days and festivals to kayak paddles, bird walks, and even whimsical races featuring rubber duckies and milk jugs.
His civic contributions extend further: he has served on the Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Committee, built and maintained an early town website, teaches computer classes at the Senior Center, volunteers at the library, supports Amesbury Treasures’ digital presence, and currently serves as an Essex County Commissioner. He is also a devoted volunteer for both the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce and ACM events.
Bruce McBrien exemplifies the spirit of community service. His unwavering commitment to Amesbury’s people, places, and history makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.