Spreading the News About Flat Stanley-Whitman's Visit to Boston

Nickname: The Bay State, but during the eighteenth century became known as the “Cradle of Liberty”
Capital: Boston
Admission to the Union: February 6, 1788



Like so many New England families, Flat Stanley-Whitman's heritage can be traced back to Cambridge, England, Massachusetts Bay Colony, and ultimately the Puritan haven for nobleman, River Colony (known today as the state of Connecticut). Both the Stanley and Whitman families are among the most dignified when ranked by the Farmington church of old. Still, Flat Stanley-Whitman enjoyed exploring Boston in his geneologoical quest.

Built in 1798, the “new” State House is located across from the Boston Common on the top of Beacon Hill.  While visiting Boston, he hiked the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile red brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally signifcant historic sites. Dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, the Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.

He also enjoyed strolling the Public Garden and riding the Swan Boats.The Public Garden, also known as Boston Public’s Garden, is a large park located in the heart of Boston and adjacent to Boston Common. From the start, the Public Gardne was fancy and flowery and the Common was rustic and practical. The Common Walkways were for crosstown travel, the Public Garden’s paths for strolling. The Common was America’s first park (1634), the Public Garden its first botanical garden.  was created in 1837, Boston Common in 1634.


For over 130 years, the Swan Boats have been a part of the Boston experience. Each Spring they come out and grace the waters of the Boston Public Garden. The Swan Boats became famous in the stories Make Way for Ducklings and The Trumpet of the Swan.

The John Hancock Tower was built in 1976 and at 241 meters (790ft), it is still the tallest building in Boston. The construction of the modern 60 story skyscraper at Copley Square, creates a glass curtain wall reflecting the more historic surrounding buildings.


Helping Flat Stanley-Whitman find out about his ancestors was an interesting and educational experience. Now he's heading back home, to Farmington, Connecticut, where he can reflect on the many places he's been.


Kim Pelletreau and Nicole Barbuto