The Massachusetts Historical Society was founded in 1791 for the three-fold purpose of collecting, preserving, and disseminating resources for the study of American history. It was not only the first historical society in what is now the United States, it was also the first institution of any description to be devoted primarily to collecting and publishing in the field of American history. Today the Society serves historians and scholars from allied disciplines through its collections, publications, conferences, seminars, and extensive program of research fellowships. It provides resources for elementary and secondary school teachers interested in developing document-based curricula for their classrooms. Through publications as well as active series of lectures and other programs, the Society also informs and educates the public at large.