MA250

The Civilians Trapped Behind the Boston Siege Lines "I Screamed with All My Might"
2026-04-29 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Reading Public Library, Middlesex Avenue 64, Reading, Massachusetts, 01867, United States
Join us for the compelling story of the aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the hundreds of civilians trapped inside Boston.
Regardless of their political allegiance, these non-combatants faced a daily struggle to secure supplies to support their families, avoid the abuses of His Majesty’s forces and protect their personal and real property from roving bands of thieves. As the siege progressed, the continuous fear of an American attack on the town, combined with bouts of lawlessness, deprivation of civil rights, and disease, led to the collapse of society. While much attention has been given to the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Evacuation of Boston, we’ll take a closer look at the struggles of those trapped behind enemy lines and their efforts to survive.
Alexander Cain, JD, earned his economics degree from Merrimack College in 1993 and obtained his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law in 1996. He has authored numerous research articles and presentations on the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of New England and New York loyalist refugees during the Burgoyne Campaign. In addition, he 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: The Loyalists of McAlpin’s Corps of American Volunteers. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast Historical Nerdery (historicalnerdery.com). Currently, he is in the process of writing his upcoming book, “For God’s Sake Fire!” – The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which is anticipated to be released in 2027.
Alex currently leads an educational initiative in Northeastern Massachusetts that aims to introduce high school students to careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, and the skilled trades. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife, Paula, and they have two adult children, John and Abigail. The fact that they are named after John and Abigail Adams is purely a coincidence.
