The History of our New England Family from 1600 to 2023
by D. Charles Petersen
Discover how people lived in the 17th and 18th century in their own words courtesy of D. Charles Petersen. Wanting to prove his mother’s statement that a Massachusetts property had been in their family for centuries, he decided to find out for himself. His catalyst was an old trunk stored in their Massachusetts family home known as the Red House. The trunk held letters, photos, ledgers, and other items dating back centuries. Within those documents, he found the fascinating story of his ancestry and the answer to his mother’s words.
Through the letters, he came to know the stories of his ancestors and their lives dating back to 1600. Some letters described daily life long ago. Read them yourself and understand how life courses through history like a river, at times combining families through marriages like tributaries, and flowing through centuries to this modern day.
Enjoy this fascinating revelation of stories from people in the past through Letters From the Old Trunk.
About the Author
Chuck Petersen grew up in the Biddle House, now a New York City park system landmark, home of the Tottenville Historical Society. The experience of living in an historical home gave Chuck an appreciation of history, old homesteads, and about people who lived in them.
Now retired and living in The Villages with his wife, Carole, Chuck is an avid trailrunner with thousands of miles on his running shoes. Carole is his most avid cheerleader while also active in her own right.
Chuck is currently writing his memoirs about growing up in the Biddle House long ago.
D. Charles Petersen
