Two hundred and fifty year ago, British troops were besieged in Boston by colonists fighting for their rights at English subjects. But that all changed after the publication of Common Sense in January, arguing for a new and independent nation. The idea of independence from Britain grew throughout the thirteen colonies and the Continental Congress. In May 1776, every Massachusetts town was required by the Provincial Congress to vote on “the momentous subject of Independence.” All across Massachusetts the people responded. Hanover’s residents in open town meeting, along with other South Shore towns, voted unanimously in favor of Independence from Great Britain. On July 4 th , the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the nation was born. This presentation tells the story of that decision through the voices of the participants, in original letters, newspapers, town, and provincial records.