On February 4, Mr. Pelletier, the APUSH teacher of Braintree High School, made a speech on the Emancipation Proclamation, its background, and its effect during the Civil War. The speech was made in the Thayer Public Library for the Braintree Historical Society, who sought him out after Lily O’Brien and Victoria Aitiken recommended the respected teacher.
“He was one of my favorite teachers I had, and when I asked everyone who was one of their favorite teachers they had, they also said Mr. Pelletier,” Lily explained.
Mr. Pelletier chose the Emancipation Proclamation, which was executed in September of 1862, mainly due to its perception in popular culture. The famed document’s true purpose has been overshadowed in popular culture by its perceived effect, which is that of freeing all the slaves.
However, Mr. Pelletier noted how the document was mainly a military ploy, and was not really meant for true emancipation.
“In a way.. [does] it offer this way in which the South could get slavery back? No, I don’t think Lincoln believes that’s going to happen but that’s what the words say.”
As for future speeches, he’s interested in having another in the future, perhaps to coincide with the Braintree Historical Society’s Rev2025 project, which will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence over two years.
“I think next time, maybe the challenge is ‘Okay. Learn something new from me and try to present it in a different way.’ So that could be a fun thing to do.”
