Pear Square Collaborative, Inc.

Edward Everett Square is named after the outstanding statesman and orator Edward Everett (1794-1865) who was born on his father’s estate in this square Edward Everett devoted his life to the emerging new nation, stressing the importance of democracy and universal public education. An extraordinary student, Everett graduated from Harvard when he was 17. In his long, diverse career, he served as Congressman, Governor, U.S. Senator, Ambassador to England, President of Harvard and U.S. Secretary of State. Edward Everett advocated for a national public school system, teacher training institutes, and prison reform. As civil war loomed, he traveled the country, using his magnificent oratory to support preservation of the Union. Image courtesy of Massachusetts Historical Society and Dorchester Historical Society