Massachusetts Bay Charter November 3, 2010

With the creation of the Massachusetts Bay Charter in 1629, John Endecott, of Salem, became the first governor of the newly established Massachusetts Bay Colony. See the rare, four-panel parchment that helped found the commonwealth and mark the beginning of American self-governance. The Massachusetts Bay Charter is presented in partnership with the Salem Athenaeum and will be installed alongside objects representing American art and culture of the 17th century.